The Athletics are declining a $5MM option on right-hander Drew Rucinski, reports Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 (X link). That was the expected decision.
Oakland signed Rucinski to a $3MM guarantee last offseason. It was a low-cost flier after the 34-year-old had turned in a 2.97 ERA with the Korea Baseball Organization’s NC Dinos. Injuries derailed his effort to establish himself as an MLB starter. Rucinski made only four starts, allowing 22 runs (18 earned) across 18 innings. He walked 14 while striking out just six.
Rucinski landed on the injured list in mid-May. The team announced the problem as a stomach illness. A bit thereafter, the team announced he was dealing with a degenerative back condition. Rucinski underwent a surgical procedure in July. Alexander notes the rehab is expected to carry into 2024, leaving it unclear when he might be able to take the mound.
What another great signing by our FO
He had such good K/BB rates oversees. Now, he has elite BB/K rates… for an opposing hitter.
You go to your strength.
The A’s decline the option on being competitive
I agree that the Athletics MO is to be as cheap as possible, but this guy with 9.00 ERA isn’t exactly worth anywhere near the 5 million dollars he have been paid.
I just want to say great job to the MLBTR for putting out a ton of articles on a busy news day!
Can a’s fans decline their option to attend their games? Whoops, looks like both of them have.
Do you guys remember MLBTR had Rucinski on their Top 40 Free Agents List for 2023 ?? That was wild.
I was thinking the same.
That was a reasonable take at the time.
Back to the KBO for Drew
Captain obvious. Lads and lassies don’t sleep on the pitching next season. We need bats!! Newcomb is a 3 inning man every 3 days. We have guys that stopped the bleeding since July. A good vet, a bill pen piece or two and two bats. I’m telling ya when we hit begas and get that money………if you built it they will come