The Oakland A’s are poised to pick up right where they left off after a surprising and overachieving 2018 season.
The A’s sent their pitchers and catchers to report to Spring training on Feb. 11 to kick off their 2019 Cactus League season on Feb. 21.
The A’s were anxious to build off of last year’s momentum after losing the 2018 American League wild-card game to the New York Yankees.
“There’s only one word to describe 2018: Magical. While we discuss the incredible moments from last season for years to come, we are focused on the future and what we will accomplish this year on the field,” said A’s president, Dave Kaval.
It was not until game 79 where the A’s caught fire and swept the Tigers and Indians back-to-back, which propelled them into a playoff race with the Seattle Mariners and division-leading Houston Astros.
The A’s were 10.5 games back of first place at the halfway mark of the season and slowly inched their way past the Mariners only to lose on a national stage to the Yankees.
One of Oakland’s top offseason priorities was to sign designated hitter Khris Davis.
The A’s and Davis agreed on a one-year extension for 2019, worth $16.5 million, the highest annual salary in A’s history.
Davis mashed a career high 48 home runs last season and is now the must-watch player when he stands into the batter’s box.
Third baseman Matt Chapman became more recognized after his breakout defensive year as he won the American League Gold Glove award at third base.
“Matt Chapman is a special player. I think he has real MVP potential. I just hope he stays an Athletic for a long time,” said Sam Rodriguez of Bleacher Report.
Aside from retaining the majority of the main contributing players from last year as well as gaining exciting potential for free agent signings, the A’s have finally announced their plans for a brand new stadium at Howard Terminal in Oakland.
It has been a long and frustrating wait for Oakland fans but it looks like 2023 will be the year the A’s plan to unveil their new home sitting aside the water in Howard Terminal.
This stadium is set to hold 34,000 fans and will be privately financed. Plans for the new ballpark also include renovating the current stadium in a way that helps benefit the surrounding area.