According to Jeff Passan, The Athletics have acquired left-handed starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs from the Tampa Bay Rays. In exchange, the Rays will receive Joe Boyle, Jacob Watters, Will Simpson, and a round draft pick. This sparks a compelling move for the Rays and the Athletics, who both won this deal. The Rays will be amplifying their roster, and the A’s will have the opportunity to boost their pitching depth. The A’s will also get a quality starter with Springs under team control for three more seasons. This means he will not be eligible for free agency until after the 2027 season.
Athletics Add Southpaw Starter from Tampa Bay
The A’s are finalizing a trade to acquire left-hander Jeffrey Springs from the Tampa Bay Rays, sources tell ESPN. Multiple players are going in both directions, but with the A’s looking to spend, they get a rotation piece in Springs under club control for three more seasons.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 14, 2024
While the A’s certainly have their work cut out for them in 2025, this trade demonstrates their willingness to try and compete. Fans are loving what the A’s are cooking up this offseason. A new season, a fresh start, and a new stadium means they want to compete in the West. With Springs, the A’s will gain a starter who owns a career 3.39 ERA. He will also be a solid addition to their rotation, given the recent acquisition and record deal signing of starter Luis Severino. With Springs, the A’s will also be getting a 32-year-old who comes equipped with a nasty off-speed in his repertoire.
Looking at his full season in 2022, he pitched 135.1 innings, a 9-5 record, and a 2.46 ERA with 144 punchouts. It will be compelling to see how Springs will pitch in 2025 if he can pitch a full season. When healthy, Springs have been known to be effective. In 2024, Springs also recorded a 3.27 ERA across seven starts. Springs is a craft left-hander who showcased solid numbers following his return from Tommy John surgery in April of 2023. Springs has also been characterized as a pitcher with an impressive changeup and solid breaking ball.
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