OAKLAND -- A short union was had between the A's and right-hander Mike Fiers, who was non-tendered by the club ahead of Friday's deadline. In addition, Oakland did not tender contracts to Kendall Graveman and Cory Gearrin, unleashing all three to the free-agent market.
The A's originally acquired Fiers on Aug. 6 from the Tigers, and they counted him among a few leftover rotation pieces when the season concluded.
Now, beyond Fiers, who pitched to a 3.74 ERA in 10 games for the A's, the club's top healthy options to start next season appear to be Daniel Mengden, Chris Bassitt and Frankie Montas, with prospect Jesus Luzardo waiting in the wings. Clearly much work must be done to supplement this staff, but Oakland's decision to part ways with Fiers seemingly suggests it will be rather frugal in doing so.
Much of the A's limited resources will be allocated to slugger Khris Davis, who will reel in a pretty penny -- MLB Trade Rumors projects an $18.1 million payday -- following his third straight 40-homer season. Davis, who could still seek an extension this offseason, was one of nine players to be tendered contracts, along with Ryan Buchter, Mark Canha, Ryan Dull, Liam Hendriks, Josh Phegley, Sean Manaea, Marcus Semien and Blake Treinen.
The A's announced they've already agreed to one-year deals with Hendriks, Phegley and Dull.
Graveman was the A's Opening Day starter a second consecutive year, but he struggled to the tune of a 7.60 ERA in seven starts before succumbing to Tommy John surgery in July. He's expected to miss much of the 2019 season.
Like Fiers, Gearrin was also an August acquisition, and he made six appearances with the A's, compiling a 6.00 ERA.