Athletics Sign Trevor Rosenthal To One-Year Deal
Feb 18, 2021, 8:35 AM | Updated: 8:35 am
(Photo by Kelly Gavin/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
(Photo by Kelly Gavin/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The 2015 All-Star will likely act as Oakland’s closer for the 2021 season
After inking relievers Yusmeiro Petit and Sergio Romo to deals last week, the Oakland Athletics have struck again in the free-agent reliever market.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Athletics have signed right-hander Trevor Rosenthal to a one-year, $11 million deal for the 2021 season.
Often considered a frugal franchise, the Athletics surprisingly gave Rosenthal a large $11 million deal for just one season–even though the coveted closer had other offers for multiple years and a lower AAV (average annual value).
The one-year deal will give the A’s a stopgap in their closer role with the recent departure of All-Star closer Liam Hendriks, who signed a multi-year deal with the Chicago White Sox earlier in the offseason.
Rosenthal, a 2015 All-Star selection, was lights out last season while acting as the closer for the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres.
Over 23 appearances, the 30-year-old posted a 1.90 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 38 strikeouts over 23.2 innings (11 saves in 12 save opportunities).
Oakland will lean on a bullpen that will consist of Rosenthal, Romo, Petit, Lou Trivino, Jake Diekman and J.B. Wendelken to shorten games this season behind the starting rotation.
