Spring Training is on the horizon for the Athletics, and there are still a few question marks on the roster with answers that likely will be determined by performance over the next two months.
Before they open up camp in Mesa, Ariz., this week, here’s an early projection for the A’s 26-man Opening Day roster:
Catcher (2): Shea Langeliers, Austin Wynns
Langeliers remains entrenched as the A’s primary catcher coming off a career-best year and will continue that everyday role as long as he remains healthy. Wynns proved to be a quality backup last year before his season was cut short due to an abdominal strain. He will enter spring fully healthy as the frontrunner to continue in that role.
First base (1): Nick Kurtz
The reigning American League Rookie of the Year, Kurtz returns looking to follow up on what was an incredible debut season and appears to be on the brink of superstardom as an elite hitter in his age-23 season.
Second base (1): Jeff McNeil
McNeil joined the A’s from the Mets via trade this offseason to further lengthen what was already an impressive lineup as a former batting champion. He brings the ability to play multiple positions, though the club expects him to be its primary second baseman. Zack Gelof, who ended last season injured with a dislocated left shoulder, will have an uphill battle this spring to make the club.
Third base (2): Max Muncy, Darell Hernaiz
Muncy’s season was cut short due to a hand injury, but the A’s liked what they saw from the rookie in his time at third last season. Hernaiz was called up midseason after Jacob Wilson landed on the IL and took advantage of his opportunity, entering this spring in the mix with Brett Harris as an option for third base.
Shortstop (1): Jacob Wilson
Wilson finished runner-up to Kurtz in AL Rookie of the Year voting, was tied for the second-highest batting average (.311) in the Majors behind Aaron Judge, and became the first fan-elected rookie shortstop to start the All-Star Game.
Outfield (4): Tyler Soderstrom, Denzel Clarke, Lawrence Butler, Carlos Cortes
Soderstrom moved from first base to left field last April and ended up a finalist for a Gold Glove award in the AL. Clarke made several highlight-reel catches in center and could end up competing for his own Gold Glove over what is expected to be his first full season as a big leaguer. Butler remains a key piece of this young core in right field. One of the biggest competitions in camp might be the fourth outfielder job, with candidates in the mix including Cortes, Colby Thomas and prospect Junior Perez.
Utility (1): Andy Ibáñez
Ibáñez was claimed off waivers from the Dodgers just before the start of spring. He’s the exact type of versatile player the A’s value as a veteran with experience at third, second, first and outfield.
Designated hitter (1): Brent Rooker
Rooker appeared in all 162 games for the A’s last season, with 135 of those games coming as the DH. The other 27 games came at the corner outfield spots, where he should get some time again this season.
Starting pitchers (5): Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, Luis Morales, Jacob Lopez, J.T. Ginn
Severino and Springs anchor the rotation as established veterans. Morales and Lopez both flashed their upside as rookies last season and should have the edge on the Nos. 3 and 4 slots. The final rotation slot remains up in the air. Ginn is the likely favorite at this point, though Jack Perkins, Mason Barnett, Gunnar Hoglund and Mitch Spence could be part of that mix. The A’s could also look to add another veteran starter via trade or free agency this spring.
Relievers (8): Hogan Harris, Justin Sterner, Michael Kelly, Tyler Ferguson, Elvis Alvarado, Jack Perkins, Mark Leiter Jr., Scott Barlow
The A’s will likely go closer by committee, at least to start, with newcomers Leiter and Barlow expected to be key parts of the late-inning formula along with Alvarado, Ferguson and Kelly. Perkins is a wild card here. He was promoted to the big leagues last season as a top prospect who mostly started in the Minors, but his success in shorter stints out of the bullpen in the big leagues and injury history could lead to a move to the bullpen. Luis Medina, who is returning from Tommy John surgery after missing all of last season, is another name to watch here as he is out of Minor League options and would need to be placed on waivers if he does not make the Opening Day roster.