*Photo from Bleacher Report*
With this signing, the Oakland Athletics appear to have their starting rotation set for the 2021 season. The Athletics have re-signed Mike Fiers to a one year, $3.5 million contract, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Fiers has spent the last 2 1/2 seasons with the Athletics, and he's back for another season. Oakland has confirmed the deal.
In the back of Oakland's rotation last season, Fiers posted a 6-3 record with a 4.58 ERA, striking out 37 hitters in 59 innings pitched across 11 starts for the Athletics. In his 10 big league seasons, Fiers has a 75-62 record with a 4.04 ERA, throwing 1,141 2/3 innings across 216 career appearances, 197 of which were starts.
Fiers became one of the key faces of the infamous Houston Astros sign stealing scandal that rocked last year's offseason, as Fiers was the first to go public about what was going on in Houston, as he was a member of the 2017 Astros that are now reviled across baseball. That prompted an investigation by MLB, which led to the firings of AJ Hinch and Jeff Luhnow, a fine of $5 million, and a loss of first and second round draft choices for two seasons.
Fiers returning gives Oakland the same 5 starters they used in the 2020 season, as Fiers rejoins Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, Jesus Luzardo, and Chris Bassitt in the rotation. Top pitching prospect AJ Puk should also see some action this season after recovering from Tommy John Surgery.
Comments
Post a Comment