Elephant Rumblings: A’s add more free agents

MLB news roundup

Happy Wednesday, Athletics Nation!

The A’s aren’t likely up to sign more free agents equal to the likes of Luis Severino, or even Jose LeClerc this season, but they are still engaged in the market, as we saw with this week’s addition of two free agents: infielder Luis Urías and catcher Lyle Lin.

Urías is an MLB veteran of several seasons whose career stalled after two very productive years with the Brewers in 2021 and 2022, though which the 27-year-old provided above-average offensive production and a total of 4.7 fWAR. Martin Gallegos at MLB.com indicates that Urías will mostly provide depth at second and third base, but A’s manager Mark Kotsay stated that backing up Jacob Wilson at shortstop is also an option.

Righty starting pitcher Luis Medina, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, was moved to the 60-day IL to make room for Urías.

Lin has been with the Diamondbacks organization for most of his professional career and is yet to make an MLB debut. Also 27, the former 14th round pick had a fantastic stretch last August, going 14-for-37 with the Double-A Sod Poodles. But his season was cut short by a hand injury, and Lin has seen limited playing time in recent years.

Lin’s larger sample offensive numbers are pretty underwhelming, but perhaps a change of scenery and better health will help him rise through the organization and compete with fellow A’s backstops Jhonny Pereda, Willie MacIver, and Kyle McCann to earn the backup spot behind Shea Langeliers. Pereda currently occupies the second spot at catcher on the A’s active roster.

A’s Coverage:

• A’s sign manager Mark Kotsay to contract extension
• Athletics 2025 Community Prospect List: Gage Jump leaps into the 14th spot
• A’s players turn out to celebrate Kotsay: ‘He deserves it all’
• Which NRI’s Have The Best Chance To Make The A’s Opening Day Roster?
• ‘It’s going to be fun’: Urshela excited to bring stability to A’s
• A’s sign Urías to 1-year deal for infield depth
• Former Arizona Diamondbacks Prospect Signs with A’s

MLB News & Interest:

• MLB offseason grades for all 30 teams, from the Dodgers (A) to the Cardinals (F) ($)
• Cubs To Sign Justin Turner
• Frankie Montas Shut Down Six To Eight Weeks With Lat Strain
• Mike Trout Moving To Right Field
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Expects To Reach Free Agency Without Extension
• Guardians To Sign John Means
• Royals Extend GM J.J. Picollo, Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Matt Quatraro
• Bryan Reynolds Expects To Be Pirates’ Right Fielder
• Adam Ottavino, Red Sox Agree To Minor League Deal
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Everything fine per Manfred.

SuSlu has good taste in music, too. Wish she was still on the A’s beat.