Could Brandon Woodruff Be a Perfect Fit for the A’s? World Series Champ Weighs Rotation Options
A’s weigh pitching options
The A’s have added Nate Eaton from the Red Sox but have not made a pitching move this offseason. With the market still developing, the team may explore both trades and free agency.
Potential options include Milwaukee’s Aaron Ashby, whom the A’s could try to move into the rotation, and free-agent right-hander Dustin May. General manager Cam Castro recently came from Milwaukee’s organization, which could create a path to a deal with his former team.
Woodruff brings risk and upside
Woodruff has spent all nine of his major-league seasons in Milwaukee. At 33, he could be a trade candidate, though his long tenure with the club may make a separation difficult for both sides.
Injuries have restricted his recent innings: he has not exceeded 150 since 2022, and his highest total since then was 67 in 2023. When healthy, however, he has performed like an ace, which could make him an appealing option for an A’s team without a clear front-line starter.
Rotation needs more arms
If Woodruff is fully ready by spring, he could contend for the A’s Opening Day start. Luis Severino has held that role for the past two seasons, but the article says his recent performance may not warrant a third consecutive start.
A rotation featuring Woodruff, Severino, JT Ginn, Gage Jump and Jacob Lopez could be solid, though Ginn, Jump and Lopez have limited major-league experience. Woodruff would need to be part of a broader offseason effort, not the A’s only pitching addition, if the club wants to contend in 2027.
Key points
- The A’s have not added a pitcher since the offseason began.
- Woodruff has not topped 150 innings since 2022.
- His best workload since 2022 was 67 innings in 2023.
- The A’s may need several pitching additions to contend in 2027.