In a bullpen headlined by All-Star rookie closer Mason Miller that formed into a strength for the Athletics last season, T.J. McFarland emerged as an unsung hero of sorts, thriving in whatever role manager Mark Kotsay threw his way.
Taking a big step toward their goal of returning to playoff contention in 2025 will require continued success from that bullpen, which is why the A’s wasted no time keeping the left-hander in the fold. On Thursday, the club announced that it re-signed McFarland to a one-year deal.
“We’re very happy to have T.J. back for 2025,” general manager David Forst told MLB.com. “He’s a leader in our clubhouse and in our bullpen.”
A veteran of 12 big league seasons, McFarland has long been considered one of the better ground-ball pitchers in the game. That continued in 2024, as the 35-year-old’s ground-ball rate of 59.4% ranked in the 97th percentile among Major Leaguers.
Overall, McFarland turned in one of the better campaigns of his career. He led the Majors with a career-high 79 games pitched while compiling a 3.81 ERA, .252 opponents batting average and .683 opponents OPS. His 15-of-66 (22.7%) inherited runners allowed to score was the seventh-lowest percentage in the Majors.
Just as impactful as McFarland’s performance on the field was his veteran leadership inside the A’s clubhouse. Throughout last season, several young pitchers -- Miller included -- cited McFarland as a resource they constantly leaned on for guidance, learning the ropes of what it takes to withstand a full season.
The A’s bullpen that combined for a 3.83 ERA in ‘24 -- 13th-lowest in the Majors -- remains mostly intact. Another key piece from that group was left-hander Scott Alexander, whom the A’s could also look to re-sign as he tests free agency this offseason. But McFarland’s return gives the A’s a versatile arm who can slot in anywhere in the middle innings, and whether it be for one batter or one-plus innings, he has proven capable of recording big outs in key spots.
“He has the ability to face both right-handed and left-handed hitters,” Forst said of McFarland. “That along with his willingness to take the ball every night will be very valuable again this season.”
Martín Gallegos covers the A's for MLB.com.