Oakland Athletics Should Consider Re-signing Edward Mujica
The Oakland Athletics are going to need to make some changes to their bullpen this offseason. The relief staff was one of the main let downs this year and the A’s need some more consistent arms in the pen. However, there is one reliever that the Athletics should re-sign – Edward Mujica.
Mujica will be a free agent after this season and it is unclear as to whether or not the A’s are going to offer a contract to this right handed pitcher. Oakland acquired Mujica from the Boston Red Sox in mid-May and he has become a staple in the bullpen. He even assumed the closer role briefly during the season.
More from White Cleat Beat
- Zach Logue yet another disappointing Oakland A’s trade return
- Luis Barrera heading to familiar foe in Los Angeles Angels
- Looking back at Ruben Sierra with the Oakland A’s
- San Francisco Giants showing Oakland A’s offseason could be worse
- Lucas Luetge what Oakland A’s need in bullpen
Even though Mujica did not have the best year, he did stand out among the other less than successful relievers in the A’s bullpen. When he first arrived in Oakland, he did not give up a single run for the entire month of May. However, he did incur a nasty fractured thumb injury on May 21 and was placed on the disabled list.
He was a little shaky when he returned on June 19 and he gave up three runs in 0.1 innings. Thankfully, as the rest of the season progressed, Mujica improved. Even though he had a 7.36 ERA for June, Mujica was able to achieve a 3.86 ERA for the month of September before landing on the disabled list again with a strained hamstring.
Since arriving in Oakland, Mujica has a 4.45 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 30.1 innings pitched. These may not be the best numbers, but compared to the rest of the bullpen, this is pretty average. Additionally, the fact that he improved as the season progressed is a good sign for the future.
Lastly, Mujica is not terribly expensive. This year, he received $4.75 million. Because of his below average performance this season, it is unlikely that that number will go up. Also, since he is a free agent, he may even receive some offers that are lower than that number. As of right now, the Oakland Athletics have $24.25 million already dedicated to the 2016 payroll since only Sean Doolittle, Coco Crisp and Billy Butler have guaranteed contracts. It would make sense for the A’s to at least offer Mujica the chance to stay in Oakland for a reasonable price.
Oakland needs all of the bullpen help they can get for next season. GM Billy Beane has mentioned that he does not want to trade away any of his young prospects or rookies. If the A’s can sign Mujica to a low cost, one year contract, then they can add a consistent, veteran arm to their bullpen without having to make a trade.
Next: Oakland Athletics Should Try To Bring Yoenis Cespedes Back