Three A's GM Candidates with Three Different Track Records

The Athletics fired longtime GM David Forst right after the MLB Trade Deadline, and are reportedly looking to make a decision on who will replace him before the end of the season. Whether that means the end of the regular season or the end of the postseason was not specified, but either way that is a quick timeframe.

Either would suggest that ownership may want to make some moves before the lockout is expected to begin in December. Ahead of the 2021 lockout, MLB teams combined to spend $2.16 billion on contracts in the month leading up to the negotiation freeze. For the A's to not miss that window, they'll need someone in charge.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the A's have formally interviewed former Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo for the vacancy, as well as current assistant GM Billy Owens. The duo joins the only previously known candidate, James Click, as the entire public list of GM candidates.

Nightengale also mentioned that Rizzo has strong interest in Houston's GM opening, though they aren't expected to begin their interview process until the season ends. 

Each of these candidates offers something a little different. Both Rizzo and Click have won World Series titles at their previous teams, with Click winning the title in his final season with the Houston Astros in 2022. He was offered a one-year deal for his troubles and decided not to accept. 

Rizzo had success with the Nationals, but times have changed a little bit as well. Two of his biggest draft wins were No. 1 overall selections in Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg. There is no longer a way to guarantee a top pick in the draft with the implementation of the lottery system in 2023. 

The former Nationals GM also operated with a payroll in the top 10 in MLB in 2014 (8th), 2015 (5th), 2017 (6th), 2018 (5th), 2019 (7th), and 2020 (7th) before beginning to sell off pieces following the World Series win. That is a completely different way of operating from how the A's have traditionally spent. 

Owens becomes a bit of a wild card of the group. He is well-versed in how the A's do business and has been seen as a future GM for years now. This would be a great opportunity to promote from within and keep things moving in the same direction. 

At the same time, ownership has been showing a need for change of late, and more of the same may not be what they're after. Regardless of which person gets the job when the time comes, the task ahead of them will be massive.