Jeffrey Springs #59 of the Tampa Bay Rays
In a surprising yet strategic move, the Oakland Athletics are set to acquire veteran southpaw Jeffrey Springs from the Tampa Bay Rays, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The multi-player trade sees the A’s sending right-handers Joe Boyle and Jacob Watters, as well as outfielder Will Simpson, to the Rays. Additionally, Oakland will part with its Competitive Balance Round A pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.
This trade is notable not only for the talent involved but also for the underlying financial and roster-building strategies at play. With a backloaded contract and a crowded pitching staff in Tampa Bay, Springs was viewed as a logical trade candidate, making this acquisition a calculated step for the Athletics as they aim to rebuild their rotation.
Springs’ Injury Recovery and Potential
Jeffrey Springs, 30, is a name that may raise eyebrows due to his injury history, but he’s still a pitcher with considerable upside. Springs was sidelined for much of the last two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2023. He returned last July, posting a solid 3.27 ERA over seven starts and 33 innings. Despite a small sample size, Springs displayed a strong strikeout rate and control, with a walk rate below 5%, suggesting that he could still be a key contributor in 2025.
Before the injury, Springs was on the rise. He was a standout for the Rays after joining the team in a quiet 2021 trade with the Red Sox. His breakout year in 2022 was a revelation, as he posted a 2.46 ERA in 135 1/3 innings, transitioning from bullpen work to starting and avoiding the home run problems that had plagued his earlier career.
A’s Gamble on Springs’ Recovery
For the Athletics, the trade signals a strong desire to upgrade their pitching staff. Springs, who is entering the more expensive phase of a four-year, $31MM contract extension signed in 2023, will earn $10.5 million in each of the next two seasons. The A’s are betting that Springs can return to his pre-injury form and help anchor a rotation that was among the worst in baseball last season.
Notably, Springs becomes the second high-profile addition to the Athletics’ pitching staff this winter, joining Luis Severino, who was signed to a three-year, $67MM deal. This marks a stark contrast to the A’s typical low-budget approach in recent years and raises eyebrows in light of their ongoing move to Las Vegas. The Athletics are now edging closer to the $105MM threshold that is required for qualifying as a revenue-sharing team, an important financial consideration that also helps them avoid a grievance from the players’ union.
The Financial Side of the Deal
Tampa Bay, known for its depth in pitching, may have been motivated by financial considerations in trading Springs. With pitchers like Shane McClanahan, Ryan Pepiot, Taj Bradley, and Drew Rasmussen set to occupy spots in the Rays’ rotation, Springs became expendable. The Rays also will retain 38.5% of his remaining salary, helping ease the financial burden for the Athletics.
While the move does add payroll for Oakland, the inclusion of the Competitive Balance Round A pick — a selection awarded to teams in the bottom 10 in market size and revenue — shows that the A’s aren’t simply making a financial trade. The Competitive Balance picks, which are eligible to be traded, are highly coveted and can play a critical role in a team’s rebuilding process, particularly for a low-spending team like the A’s.
Why the Athletics Are Making This Move
Though the A’s aren’t contenders just yet, acquiring a pitcher like Springs gives them a much-needed boost. The Athletics are still in the midst of a rebuild, and adding Springs, combined with Severino, provides them with veteran leadership and depth in their rotation. Springs’ addition, alongside young arms like JP Sears, Mitch Spence, and Joey Estes, gives the A’s a better shot at improving a rotation that was one of the worst in the league in 2023.
While the Athletics are still far from contention, these moves also give the A’s the flexibility to trade pitchers down the road, depending on how the 2025 season unfolds. If Springs can stay healthy and return to his 2022 form, he could even be flipped for additional prospects at the trade deadline.
Looking Toward the Future
The Athletics are in an interesting position: they’re still rebuilding, but the addition of two pitchers with upside — Severino and Springs — gives them a solid foundation for the coming seasons. Springs’ contract, with a club option for 2027, allows the A’s some flexibility, particularly with their new Las Vegas stadium looming on the horizon. If Springs performs well, he could be a key contributor for the next two years, or perhaps even a trade piece if the A’s are able to turn things around quickly.
While some may question the Athletics’ decision to take on payroll with the prospect of moving to a new city, there’s no denying that adding talent like Springs to their rotation is a step in the right direction. With his upside and the potential for more moves this offseason, the A’s are positioning themselves to be more competitive — and perhaps even more appealing to future free agents.
In the end, this trade is about more than just the players involved — it’s a signal that the Athletics are willing to invest in the future while keeping an eye on their long-term financial picture. Whether Springs can stay healthy and return to form will determine just how successful this trade is. But for now, it’s clear: the Athletics are looking to build a stronger rotation, even if it means going against their usual frugality.
