Oakland Athletics: Projecting the A's starting 9 for 2023
The Oakland Athletics finished last place in the American League with a 60-102 record last season. The team has always been among the lowest payrolls in MLB and their home field, the O.co Coliseum, has been falling apart for years. Sean Murphy was traded to the Atlanta Braves earlier this month. Shea Langeliers will replace Murphy as the team's number one catcher. Seth Brown was the best hitter for the A's last year, while Tony Kemp had a career-high 46 RBIs. Jace Peterson signed a two-year deal. Kevin Smith struggled to make the most of his opportunity as a third baseman.
Justin Verlander at age 39 is worth $43 million. The Oakland Athletics 2023 Projected Total Payroll is $30.4 million, which is about $3.5 million less than Verler's current contract.
The Oakland Athletics are not going to improve in 2023. The Houston Astros are the defending World Series champions. Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and LA Angels have improved on paper.
