5) LHP Sean Doolittle, Oakland Athletics
Athletics GM Billy Beane knows Sandy Alderson well. The two linked up last summer when Tyler Clippard was shipped to New York in exchange for prospect Casey Meisner. Don’t be shocked if Alderson targets the A’s bullpen again this month.
Doolittle is owed just $7 million over the next two seasons, with two team options for $6 and $6.5 million in 2020 and 2021 and just a $500k buyout per option.
Antonio Bastardo has not shown any legitimate consistency outside of April, leaving Jerry Blevins as the only reliable lefty. The 29 year old Doolittle has pitched to a 2.93 ERA in 30.2 innings this season. He’s a nightmare for left handed batters, holding them to a .152 average and .302 slugging percentage.
Doolittle wouldn’t come cheaply, as his team friendly deal, reliable performance metrics(career .246 FIP), and age make him an attractive trade chip. However, the struggling A’s could look to flip their most valuable bullpen asset for prospects.
