*Photo from Friars on Base*
The Oakland Athletics have decided to take a San Diego Padres reliever and make him their own. It makes sense in a way, as the Padres had a fantastic breakout season in 2020. The Padres have signed RHP Trevor Rosenthal to a one year, $11 million deal, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman. The money is heavily deferred, with Rosenthal being paid by the Padres for two years after the contract expires. The Padres have confirmed the deal.
Rosenthal had a career revival in 2020, pitching to a 1-0 record with a sparkling 1.90 ERA, throwing 23 2/3 innings and saving 11 games in 23 relief appearances, split with the Kansas City Royals and the Padres. In Rosenthal's career, he has a 12-25 record with a 3.36 ERA, throwing 364 innings and saving 132 games in 373 relief appearances.
Rosenthal said of signing with the A's that "This is a great franchise with a great history and a winning team that puts out a really competitive brand of baseball, an exciting brand of baseball. Looking at them over the years from across the field in the other dugout is something that's very attractive and appealing. When I got to that point of evaluating those things, it's something that I really wanted to be a part of and experience for myself."
The Athletics lost all star closer Liam Hendriks to the Chicago White Sox this offseason, so they responded by signing Rosenthal, a former all star, to replace him. They also brought in Sergio Romo, who can also close games, and brought back Yusmeiro Petit, who has been with Oakland the last 3 seasons. Their bullpen is similar to what it was last year, and even a little better, with Rosenthal and Romo joining the crew, along with Adam Kolarek from the Dodgers.
Manager Bob Melvin said of signing Rosenthal that "What a huge sign this is. Once you get the ninth inning nailed down, you can start looking at the other options and where everybody else fits in. Last year, our bullpen was one of the best in baseball. Now, it’s another fantastic bullpen with depth and a true closer. With Trevor here now, we know what the ninth inning looks like."
Rosenthal is likely to get the majority of the save opportunities throughout the season, as his 132 career saves and a very successful 2020 is expected to give him a leg up. Romo can mix in for save situations if Rosenthal is injured or needs a rest, with Jake Diekman in the mix as well. Rosenthal had multi year opportunities outside of Oakland, but chose the A's because of a chance to get saves, and a higher annual salary.
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