5 Players Oakland Athletics Should Target in MLB Free Agency

By Bryan Zarpentine

5 Players the Oakland Athletics Should Target in MLB Free Agency

Athletics — The Oakland Athletics had a rough season in 2015, ultimately finishing last in the AL West, a division that looks like it'll be quite competitive in the years to come. The A's are definitely in rebuilding mode, and they have some good pieces already in place, but if they're going to have any chance at competing in 2016, they need to add some players in free agency. Oakland isn't likely to spend much, but here are five potential targets.

5. Chris Young

Chris Young Will Have Multiple Hits

5. Chris Young

Chris Young Will Have Multiple Hits — Young did not have a good season when he was in Oakland back in 2013, but it may be worthwhile for the A's to bring him back. Oakland needs to add at least one outfielder this offseason, preferably right-handed batters who can hit lefties, and that's exactly what Young is. He can play all three outfield positions, and could at least platoon in left field, if not lock down the full-time job.

4. Jeff Francoeur

Jeff Francoeur-Mark J. Rebilas USAT - Copy

4. Jeff Francoeur

Jeff Francoeur-Mark J. Rebilas USAT - Copy — It may seem like Francoeur is getting old, but he's still young enough to play a key role in a major league roster. He can still play a solid right field, as well as left field, and he can still hit a fastball, especially against left-handed pitching. Signing him won't break the bank, and it'll give Oakland a reserve outfielder who can hit lefties, which is something the club needs to add this offseason.

3. Casey Janssen

Casey Janssen Pitches

3. Casey Janssen

Casey Janssen Pitches — Janssen had a down season in 2015, in part because of injuries, but his track record prior to that is excellent, and an aging pitcher coming off an injury-plagued season is someone Oakland can sign without spending a ton of money. The A's need help in the bullpen, and bringing in a veteran like Janssen is a good move, even if he comes with some injury risk.

2. Brett Anderson

Minnesota Twins v Oakland Athletics

2. Brett Anderson

Minnesota Twins v Oakland Athletics — Anderson spent several years in Oakland early in his career, a time that had plenty of ups, downs and injuries, but the A's need to be open to bringing him back. When he's been healthy, Anderson has been an effective pitcher, and Oakland lacks left-handed pitchers in its rotation, so Anderson would be a good fit for the team's needs. If Anderson gets lost in the shuffle and the A's can get him cheap, Anderson would be a perfect signing.

1. Joakim Soria

SoriaJoakim

1. Joakim Soria

SoriaJoakim — If the A's open their wallets for one player this offseason, it needs to be Soria. Oakland doesn't have an obvious candidate to be the closer, as that position was done by committee after they traded Tyler Clippard in July. If Oakland is going to climb out of the AL West basement, a reliable bullpen will be required, and Soria is among the best on the market this winter. The A's would be wise to make him their closer.

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Oakland Athletics

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