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The Major League Baseball offseason is in full swing as the Winter Meetings approach rapidly. The Oakland A's have surprised many by taking an assertive stance in the free-agent market, despite the prevailing focus on ownership's impending relocation to Las Vegas.
Contrary to expectations, the team has yet to demonstrate clear signs of actively seeking additions to their roster. However, on Wednesday, the organization revealed its plans by announcing 22 non-roster invitations to spring training. These invitations extend to players who are not currently part of the 40-man roster.
The Oakland A’s announced 22 non-roster invitees to Spring Training today. The list includes 13 players who were in the A’s organization last year and nine players signed to minor league contracts this offseason. The complete list: pic.twitter.com/TyklMTViS8
— Oakland A's Communications (@AthleticsPR) November 29, 2023
Each year, teams bring non-roster players to spring training, which includes a mix of minor league free agent signings and prospects that the club wants to expose to a big league clubhouse.
However, what stands out about Oakland's recent announcement is the timing. Typically, teams don't make such announcements until closer to the reporting dates for spring training.
According to Spotrac, the A's payroll for 2023 was just above $61M. Looking ahead to 2024, the projected mark is under $36M. While this suggests the club has room for modest additions, their recent actions indicate that such moves are unlikely.
Comparisons are being drawn between Oakland's roster projections and the classic movie "Major League," and it appears that, in this case, ownership doesn't need the team's attendance to decline in order to justify their decisions.
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