Elephant Rumblings: A’s sign Newcomb, decline option on Rucinski

Happy Friday, Athletics Nation!

The World Series is barely finished, but offseason wheeling and dealing is already well underway across MLB.

The A’s made a couple of significant moves yesterday. First, they decided to take a chance on relief pitcher Sean Newcomb.

Newcomb began his MLB career in 2017 as a promising starter for the Braves, but he has struggled quite a bit in recent years. The big, thirty-year-old lefty was acquired in trade from the Giants in August, and he had a pretty good late season run with the A’s, posting a 3.00 ERA and 10.20 K/9 through 15 innings.

Newcomb’s season was also cut short in September by a torn meniscus, for which he underwent an operation. But the A’s are reportedly willing to bet a million that Newcomb can mount a comeback in 2024.

The A’s also declined their $5 million club option on starting pitcher Drew Rucinski yesterday, as reported by Ari Alexander at KPRC 2 Houston. The 34-year-old came to Oakland ahead of the 2023 season in the wake of successes on the mound in Korea, holding out promise as an inexpensive ($3MM) rotation depth piece.

Unfortunately, Drew’s season quickly turned disastrous. After getting shellacked and posting a 9.00 ERA through four starts early in the season, Rucinski got shut down for back problems and underwent surgery. He won’t be ready to pitch by next Opening Day, so it should surprise no one that the A’s are taking a pass on their 2024 option.

Major League Baseball is done for the year, but there are plenty of stories to peruse today. Enjoy, and have a wonderful weekend, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• Oakland Athletics 2023-24 important offseason dates
• A’s Decline Option On Drew Rucinski
• A’s Mark Kotsay Mentioned as Fit For Numerous Managerial Vacancies
• A’s David Forst names Mason Miller trait that impresses him most
• Why A’s prospect Joe Boyle exceeded David Forst’s expectations
• Texas Rangers World Series, Brought to You By Oakland A’s Ownership
• A’s Sign Left-Handed Reliever
• A’s Non-Tender Candidates
• Keeping the A’s in Oakland: Yes, We Can

MLB News & Interest:

• Bruce Bochy wins 4th World Series, leaving Giants fans to wonder: what if? ($)
• Despite Diamondbacks’ fruitful trade deadline, GM Mike Hazen has one regret ($)
• MLB settles lawsuits with former minor league teams, avoids U.S. Supreme Court challenge to antitrust exemption ($)
• Nelson Cruz, 7-time MLB All-Star, retires after 19 seasons: What’s his case for the HOF? ($)
• Yankees Place Domingo German, Five Others On Outright Waivers
• Brewers Decline Options On Andrew Chafin, Justin Wilson
• Dodgers Sign Max Muncy To Two-Year Extension
• Qualifying Offer To Be $20.325MM For 2023-24 Offseason
• Offseason Outlook: Arizona Diamondbacks
• Keith Law’s top 50 MLB free agents: Shohei Ohtani is the headliner, but depth of class is weak ($)
• Blue Jays, Whit Merrifield Decline Mutual Option
• Jorge Soler Opts Out Of Deal With Marlins
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

A new movement afoot.

As deserving as anyone.

Semien also honored for his contributions off the field.

Last call for Fall Stars voting.