Bold take: the A’s could gain big upside by adding a former Cubs pitcher to their mix, especially when free-agent markets are pricey and Sacramento’s lure isn’t universal. In pursuit of reliable pitching, Oakland will likely need to get creative—targeting the trade market may be more practical than pleading with free agents to sign. Still, the steep prices for quality arms could make finding a bargain trade partner tough, even for a team willing to include prospects.
Marks of recent movement: Mark Leiter Jr. joined the A’s last week, bringing a “diamond in the rough” profile that the club often pursues. His underlying metrics point to positive signs, and he currently features one of baseball’s most coveted offerings—the splitter. If Leiter-like arms become the norm for Oakland, the A’s may have to settle for cost-effective, high-upside options rather than marquee names. Alternately, they could open the wallet for a more recognized pitcher, or craft enticing opportunities that lure someone to sign with them.
A potential fit from Chicago: Brad Keller could be a compelling additive for Oakland. Keller blossomed with the Cubs last year, thriving in a high-leverage bullpen role after transitioning from a starter to a reliever. In six seasons as a Royals starter, he was a durable, ground-ball-oriented contributor who excelled in the latter part of the rotation. With the Cubs, Keller posted a 2.07 ERA across 69 2/3 innings and struck out 75, showing elite marks in ground-ball suppression (56.6% in the 95th percentile), hard-hit rate (30.6% in the 99th percentile), and barrel rate (5.8% in the 86th percentile). These are exactly the kinds of indicators that make him appealing to a park like Oakland’s hitter-friendly environment.
Beyond the eye test: Baseball Savant data reinforce Keller’s breakout status. His expected batting average, expected ERA, and average exit velocity rank in the 90th percentile, with a host of other metrics sitting high as well. Interest in Keller continues to grow, with reports citing the Tigers as one of several teams weighing a three-year, roughly $36 million contract as a potential starting assignment this offseason. Industry insiders like ESPN’s Jeff Passan have noted that Keller appears on track for a multi-year deal that could emphasize starting duties if the conversion proves sustainable.
What this could mean for the A’s: Oakland currently envisions a rotation that includes Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, Jacob Lopez, and Luis Morales, with a cadre of young arms—Jack Perkins, J.T. Ginn, Gunnar Hoglund—fighting for spots and a pipeline of top prospects in the wings. Bringing in a pitcher with Keller’s profile would give the A’s measurable flexibility: if the move back to a starter works, they’ve added a solid, experienced arm; if not, Keller can slide back into a high-leverage bullpen role that aligns with his proven track record, while opening opportunities for the next wave of pitchers to ascend through the ranks.
Bottom line: a Keller-like acquisition could be a strategic hedge for Oakland, balancing immediate bullpen versatility with the potential for longer-term rotation depth. It’s a decision that invites debate: is it better to chase a known, mid-career pitcher who might still be figuring out his role, or to invest in younger, cheaper upside with a longer developmental arc? If you were running the A’s, would you prioritize a proven reliever who can start if needed, or a young arm with ceiling who might take a year or two to mature in the rotation? Share your take in the comments.
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