The Athletics continue to buzz this offseason, as they have signed free agent Gio Urshela, according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal. The financial terms haven’t been confirmed yet, and the deal is pending a physical. They continue to sign players with the addition of Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, and Jacob Lopez. In 2024 Urshela recorded 104 hits with nine home runs, a .250 batting average, and 52 RBI with the Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers. Urshela spent 2019-2021 with the New York Yankees, and he has also played for the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins, and Los Angeles Angels.
Gio Urshela and the Athletics are in agreement on a contract, per @Ken_Rosenthal pic.twitter.com/5v7xunhJ7t
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 20, 2024
Infielder Gio Urshela Finds Home With Athletics
Urshela Provides Veteran Depth
Urshela is a serviceable veteran lead-off hitter. He owns a respectable K% but doesn’t carry a lot of power. Still, this is a compelling move for the Athletics. Urshela will play third base and help amplify the team’s infield with his exceptional defense. The A’s finding their third baseman helps while they will look to add another starter to their roster. In his career, Urshela has a .273 batting average, with 716 hits, 73 home runs, 7 stolen bases, 332 RBI, and a .729 OPS.
Urshela signing with the A’s also means that he, Miguel Andujar, and Luis Severino will be teammates again after their time together in the Bronx. Urshela’s agreement to sign with the A’s marks a reunion, but also the addition of an underrated infielder who plays solid defense. Both Urshela and Severino will be valuable additions to the Athletics in 2025. The A’s have been busier than expected this offseason, looking to field a winning team next season It’s nice to see the 33-year-old Colombia native land on his feet. In 2024 according to Baseball Savant, he represented a great Range (OAA) of 4 with his fielding, a solid LA Sweet-Spot % of 38.6, a K % of 15.6, and a decent xBA of .264.
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