Gio Urshela #9 of the Atlanta Braves
The Oakland Athletics continue to make strategic moves in fortifying their roster, and their latest acquisition is a significant one. The A’s have agreed to a free-agent contract with veteran third baseman Gio Urshela, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. The deal is pending a physical, but once finalized, it will add another solid piece to an infield that the Athletics are working to strengthen.
Urshela, 33, is a nine-year MLB veteran with a reputation as a reliable defender and capable hitter. After signing with the Detroit Tigers in the offseason, he was released by the team in mid-August following a subpar performance. Urshela slashed just .243/.286/.619 with 12 home runs and 51 RBIs over 92 games with Detroit. Despite that rough patch, he found a fresh start after joining the Atlanta Braves. In 36 games with the Braves, Urshela’s production improved significantly, posting a .711 OPS, showcasing that he still has plenty left to offer at the big-league level.
Throughout his career, Urshela has shown that he can handle the hot corner, earning widespread respect for his defensive ability. His consistency with the glove will provide Oakland with a solid floor in the field, helping shore up a position that has seen turnover in recent seasons.
Urshela’s best season came in 2019 with the New York Yankees, where he had a breakout year, slashing .314/.355/.889 with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs. While he may not replicate those numbers this season, his track record suggests he can be a reliable contributor for the Athletics in both the field and at the plate.
The addition of Urshela comes at a time when the A’s are looking to balance their roster with a mix of veteran experience and youthful potential. His defensive prowess at third base provides the team with stability in their infield, and his bat, while inconsistent, could prove valuable in the right matchups.
With a nine-year MLB resume and stints with several teams, including the Cleveland Guardians, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Angels, Urshela brings a wealth of experience to a team that’s looking to compete and build for the future.
As the Athletics continue to make moves in free agency, this addition signals their intent to stay competitive while gradually shaping their roster for the long term. With Urshela now on board, the A’s have added a steadying presence to the left side of their infield and a player who still has the ability to make an impact both offensively and defensively.
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