The Athletics offense isn't the team's main problem to address this offseason. Instead, the club will be focused on improving a pitching staff that ranked 29th in ERA with a 5.53, which soared to over six at home.

But during Taylor Smith's introductory press conference, both Smith and owner John Fisher seemed to think that developing pitching was the bigger goal for the club, instead of wading into the waters of free agency.

That said, implementing whatever the front office has planned may be difficult this offseason with the expected lockout, which would sever communications between coaches and players during the offseason. 

This could be a season of trying to figure some things out in the front office on the pitching side while getting things set up for sustained success in 2028 when the A's are expected to land in Las Vegas. 

If the money isn't being spent on pitching just yet, then that would leave some funds to improve the club in another way. Luckily for them, there is one free agent on the market who could have a huge impact on the team and may be open to signing with the A's. 

The A's graded out poorly on defense in 2026, and one way to improve the pitching staff would be to improve the gloves behind them. That said, most of the A's lineup is nailed down, with Nick Kurtz at first, Zack Gelof at third, Shea Langeliers at catcher, and Henry Bolte in center. 

The A's also have extended left fielder Tyler Soderstrom, right fielder Lawrence Butler, and shortstop Jacob Wilson. DH Brent Rooker is also part of that extended players mix, but he doesn't play the field terribly often. 

The only position that isn't covered is second base. While the club has internal options like Alika Williams, Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, and Donovan Walton, free agent Brandon Lowe would be a nice, big upgrade that the team could use. 

Lowe ranked third in DRS (+13), second in OAA (+15), and third in FRV (+12) among qualified second basemen. Alika Williams was a similar-caliber defensive player, but Lowe's bat was also among the best at the position, ranking sixth with a 123 wRC+ and first in home runs with 33, his second straight 30+ home run campaign. 

Lowe's 4.9 fWAR ranked second at the position behind Brice Turang's 6.1. He's an all-around player who will be available this winter. Adding Lowe would give the A's a huge depth boost, slotting JKG, Williams, or Walton as depth options for the club instead of starters. 

That's the big question for any free agent on the market. Not many players at the top of the market are looking to willingly sign with the A's, let alone spend a full season in a minor-league park. That said, the allure of opening up a new ballpark in Las Vegas could hold some sway. The condensed timeframe of the offseason could also work in the A's favor here, if they're clear they want Lowe. 

Lowe was drafted and developed by the Tampa Bay Rays, one of the previous stops of the A's new president of baseball operations. It's unclear what their rapport is, but Smith and Lowe assuredly know one another, which could make the pitch a little easier. 

Smith could pitch Lowe on signing with the A's as a missing piece for what the team is building, with the club needing the second baseman to be a culture guy, given that both Smith and Lowe are very familiar with the Rays, what they do, and how they find success. Lowe could be his guy in the clubhouse who helps preach that message. 

Of course, the big question is how much money he'll be looking for, and what the A's would be willing to go to in order to land his services. 

Lowe would be a great addition to this club, but would signing the 32-year-old to a five-year deal be prudent for the A's? Probably not. If they could lock him up for two or three years, however, that could be right in their wheelhouse if they're willing to spend. 

With Luis Severino's $22 million player option, and the club options for Jeffrey Springs ($15 million) and Jeff McNeil ($15.75 million) still to be decided upon, there is money to move around to add Lowe at around three years and $55 million.