Oakland Athletics Sign Capable Reliever

An interesting addition by the Oakland Athletics.

The Athletics have signed pitcher Drew Steckenrider to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training.

The A's have signed 32-year-old righty reliever Drew Steckenrider to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. He split last season between Seattle and Triple-A Tacoma but notched 14 saves with a 2.00 ERA for the Mariners in 2021.

— Athletics Farm (@AthleticsFarm) February 12, 2023

Steckenrider will compete this spring for a spot in the team's Opening Day bullpen.

The thirty-two-year-old made 16 relief appearances for the Seattle Mariners last season, compiling an underwhelming 5.65 ERA, 1.81 WHIP, and 10 strikeouts over 14.1 innings of work.

However, in the 2021 season, Steckenrider was a very effective closer for the Mariners, converting 14 saves along with a 2.00 ERA, so the A's will hope to reclaim some of that success.

For his major-league career, Steckenrider holds a strong 3.27 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, with 210 strikeouts across 195.2 innings. 

He spent three seasons with the Miami Marlins and two with the Mariners.
Photo Credit:  Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports