The Oakland Athletics’ new pitching strategy involves leveraging emerging Bullpen talent to achieve success

In an attempt to duplicate the success of its recruits from the previous season, the Oakland Athletics, or A’s, are focusing on a fresh group of young bullpen pitchers that show promise. The A’s are giving gifted but untested pitchers an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in the major leagues since their previous decisions have paid off. Right-handers Anthony Maldonado and Justin Sterner are joining the team this time with the goal of contributing as bullpen mainstays with more seasoned players.

Investing in New Talent: The Athletics’ Bullpen Revamp Strategy

Pitchers like Michel Otañez and Tyler Ferguson, both right-handers who went from being minor league prospects to vital members of the bullpen, helped the A’s last season. The A’s bullpen became an invaluable asset as these guys flourished, finishing the season with the 13th-lowest ERA in Major League Baseball at 3.83. But the exits of important bullpen players have created openings, which has given Sterner and Maldonado the chance to join.

Oakland signed Maldonado from the Miami Marlins and Sterner off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this week. Both players will have a chance to contend for bullpen roles. A’s general manager, David Forst, was upbeat during his speech at the General Managers Meetings, highlighting the team’s ability to rebuild the bullpen. With a focus on developing excellent bullpen talent, Forst stated, “Both have quality right-handed stuff and had a lot of success in Triple-A last year.”

Athletic Improvement Anchored by a Young Bullpen

The A’s have improved their record by 19 games over the previous season, thanks in large part to Oakland’s bullpen, which has improved team performance. The team’s defensive strategy was well-established thanks to relievers like All-Star closer Mason Miller, who helped keep the bullpen consistent. However, Austin Adams’ removal from the roster and the free-agent exits of Scott Alexander and T.J. McFarland created opportunities for fresh talent to emerge.

It is expected that the additions of Sterner and Maldonado this season would provide new competition and vitality. Both pitchers are anticipated to compete in spring training, though roster slots are not assured. Like Ferguson and Otañez, who began in the Minor Leagues before making their Major League debuts and contributing to the bullpen, the A’s are employing a similar approach.

Justin Sterner, RHP: A Resolute Ascent to the Majors (2024), Triple-A Durham Statistics

• 34 games (one start)
• ERA: 3.28
• 60 strikeouts
• 17 out of 46 walks. Pitched two and a third innings

Sterner’s tale is one of tenacity and willpower. After returning from a mission trip to Samoa, he was able to walk on to Brigham Young University’s baseball team even though he had not received any invitations to play collegiate baseball after high school. Sterner’s perseverance is evident in his career path, which finally led to his 2020 undrafted free agency signing with the Marlins.

In 2021, Sterner was traded to the Rays, where he continued to play well in Triple-A. During his brief time in the Major Leagues, his three-pitch arsenal—a sweeping breaking ball, a sharp cutter, and a fastball with a velocity of 93.4 mph—worked well. In two outings with the Rays, he struck out four batters in four innings, suggesting that he could do more noteworthy feats with the A’s.

The Slider Expert 2024 (Triple-A Jacksonville) Stats for RHP Anthony Maldonado

• 33 games
• ERA: 4.66
• 53 strikeouts
• There were 22 walks in 46 innings, and a third inning was pitched.

Anthony Maldonado, who was selected by the Marlins in the eleventh round of the 2019 MLB Draft, showed promise in the Minor Leagues and swiftly adjusted to a bullpen position. His most effective pitch, with a grade of 70, is his slider, which has significant swing-and-miss and pursuit rates. With a 37% chase rate—a crucial component of his pitching strategy—this slider, which clocked between 83 and 85 mph, was responsible for 46% of his swings and misses in 2024.

Despite having trouble in his first Major League games, Maldonado still has a lot of potential. If he improves control and makes the most of his slider, he might become a valuable bullpen piece. Maldonado also uses a sinker in the mid 90s, which produces groundballs but doesn’t have the same swing-and-miss ability as his slider. It is the A’s hope that he will improve and become a useful bullpen weapon.

The A’s Method for Developing a More Robust Bullpen

The core of David Forst’s bullpen-building concept is spotting and developing hidden talent. “With minor league free agents and guys who were looking for an opportunity, we had a lot of success last year,” Forst said. “Sterner and Maldonado belong to the same group as guys who have performed everywhere they’ve been,” I said. I hope this is a favorable chance for them.

The Athletics made a calculated and cost-effective decision to assemble a dependable bullpen from players who have performed well in the Minor Leagues or Triple-A. The A’s are progressively building a bullpen that might sustain them for a very long time by concentrating on identifying untapped talent and providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate their value.

Conclusion: Talent Development Is Critical to the Future of Athletics

Anthony Maldonado and Justin Sterner are an intriguing addition to the A’s bullpen depth as they get ready for the upcoming campaign. Both pitchers offer special abilities and unrealized potential that, with more development, might become important members of Oakland’s relief staff. The A’s are strengthening their bullpen and laying the groundwork for future sustained success by concentrating on undervalued players with proven Minor League records.

Sterner and Maldonado’s travels will be interesting to follow as they try to earn a spot on the A’s roster as spring training draws near. These young bullpen prospects could play a crucial role in Oakland’s efforts to establish a successful team from the beginning.