There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Oakland Athletics at the moment.
We don’t know if they will retain their status as an MLB franchise five years from now, we don’t know if they will be playing somewhere else, and we don’t know if they will build their new stadium.
Basically, we know nothing.
What we do know is that, despite having one of the lowest payrolls in the league, they can still make a signing or two when they set their minds to it.
“Aledmys Diaz and the A’s are in agreement pending physical on a 2-yr deal. In $14M range,” MLB insider Joel Sherman tweeted.
Aledmys Diaz and the A’s are in agreement pending physical on a 2-yr deal. In $14M range.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 7, 2022
Diaz Is An Above-Average Hitter With Notable Defensive Versatility
Diaz was a utility infielder for the Houston Astros for the last four seasons, filling in admirably when there were injuries or with left-handers on the mound.
Overall, the 32-year-old utilityman has hit .266/.320/.443 for his career, with 74 home runs and a 105 wRC+.
That last number indicates Diaz is truly a slightly above-average hitter with power and defensive versatility.
That means he could be a viable regular and, hopefully for them, a future trade piece for a contender looking for a player who fits that description.
In Oakland, Diaz will likely get as much playing time as he can handle, which was probably one of the reasons he chose to go to Oakland.
He probably won’t contend in any of the two years of the deal unless he is traded to a competitor at some point.
All things considered, Diaz is a nice addition by the A’s, but it feels like trying to heal a bullet wound with a band-aid.
