By Tim Byrnes
At the end of 2021, the A’s dumped nearly every asset on the field.
Matt Olsen and Matt Chapman were traded for scraps. Matt Olson was under contract for the near future, but he was moved. Sean Manaea and Chris Bassett emptied the top of our pitching staff, and even crowd favorite Mark Canha was left to find a new boss.
Over the next few years, ownership didn’t devote the assets to acquiring talent. Hell, they wouldn’t even spend money to fix the plumbing at the Coliseum.
Fast forward to 2025, and the A’s are in West Sacramento, and things are looking up.
John Fisher opened up some of that revenue-sharing money he had squirreled away since 2021 and invested in the franchise.
Right-hander Luis Severino garnered the largest contract in A’s history with a three-year, $67 million agreement—bigger than A’s legend Eric Chavez and his $66 rocks in 2004. His 99 mph 4-seam fastball will be needed, and he is the likely opening-day starter.
Lawrence Butler was a must-sign with his power, speed, and right-field play. Fisher got a steal at 7 years-65.5 million, ensuring the top of the order for the rest of the decade.
Brent Rooker is the leader, batting .293, with 39 homers and 112 RBIs last season. The Athletics dedicated five years and $60 million to securing that power in the heart of the order.
It’s been a while since A’s faithful could smile, seeing that the team is building a solid core as it sets its sights on Las Vegas.
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