Athletics make bold move by acquiring Jeffrey Springs from Rays

In December 2024, the Oakland Athletics made a significant move by trading for pitcher Jeffrey Springs from the Tampa Bay Rays. This decision comes shortly after the team secured the largest free-agent contract in their history, indicating their determination to bolster the starting rotation as they transition to their inaugural season in Sacramento. Springs, a left-handed pitcher aged 32, is on a contract worth $10.5 million per year for the next two seasons and includes a team option worth $15 million for 2027. The acquisition of Springs also reflects the Athletics' efforts to remain compliant with Major League Baseball's collective bargaining agreement, which mandates that teams must maintain a payroll at least 1.5 times the local revenue sharing amount. Only a limited number of players on the Athletics' current roster are earning seven-figure salaries according to Cot's Contracts. With the addition of Springs, the Athletics now have an opportunity to improve their chances in the upcoming season while also addressing their financial commitments to the players. Springs joins another key addition, pitcher Luis Severino, who recently signed a three-year contract worth $67 million ahead of the Winter Meetings. The Athletics' management appears to be proactively seeking further enhancements to their roster, potentially adding more players to satisfactorily comply with the financial regulations of the league and to ensure team competitiveness. This trend signifies their measured strategy not only to enhance team performance but also to avoid issues with the Major League Baseball Players Association. Tampa Bay, on the other hand, has been adjusting their roster, shedding payroll since the summer. In addition to Springs, they may consider trading higher-paid players like second baseman Brandon Lowe. Springs had previously signed a four-year, $31 million extension following a strong 2022 season, but has faced challenges in recent years due to injuries, including Tommy John surgery in April 2023. Although he returned to the mound last July with a 3.27 ERA over seven games, his elbow fatigue led to him being shut down for the season. The Rays will now receive several players in return for Springs, including pitchers Joe Boyle and Jacob Watters, as well as outfielder Will Simpson and a compensatory draft pick from the Athletics.