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Jacob Lopez's Late Struggles Putting A's 2027 Starting Rotation in Flux
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- Jacob Lopez's Late Struggles Putting A's 2027 Starting Rotation in Flux
(David Richard-Imagn Images)
Not too long ago, it was looking like Jacob Lopez was becoming a definite piece of the Athletics starting rotation heading into the offseason, but his two most recent outings have seen him fail to complete four innings either time and he's given up 15 earned runs in the process.
From July 19 through September 8, a span of 10 starts for Lopez, he held a 2.75 ERA (4.01 FIP), ranking him 21st in MLB in that span, ahead of Tarik Skubal (2.84 ERA) and Gerrit Cole (2.89 ERA). He also ranked 14th in innings pitched in that span, so he was going deeper into games, which is a huge point of emphasis for the A's moving forward.
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If the team's starters are going deeper into games, that means fewer innings for the bullpen to pick up on a nightly basis, keeping them fresher over the course of the season. That could be the key to avoiding a prolonged losing stretch in 2027.
These past two starts, Lopez has been having a hard time finding the strike zone, with manager Mark Kotsay saying after his start against the Cleveland Guardians that the left-hander was either throwing the ball down the middle in the heart of the plate, or not making competitive pitches when he missed.
That made the batter's jobs easy on Saturday night, and the Guardians jumped all over him. Lopez lasted just 2 ⅔ innings, giving up 10 hits, 10 earned runs, and striking out one. He didn't walk anyone, but he also wasn't fooling anyone.
Given how his season started, this could make it more of a competition in the rotation when spring training rolls around.
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A's Rotation Options in 2027
At the top of the A's rotation will be J.T. Ginn , who posted a 3.71 ERA (4.38 FIP) across 138 ⅓ innings spanning 24 starts. He was the ace of the staff all season, and for a stretch he was the only pitcher who was collecting wins for the A's this season.
That's where things get interesting. On talent alone, you would love to pencil in Gage Jump, but he finished his rookie season with a 5.47 ERA (4.01 FIP) and will have some things to work on during the offseason. The hope has to be that the A's can push him below second or even third in the rotation to limit the immediate pressure being placed upon him.
Jeffrey Springs has a team option for the A's to consider this offseason for $15 million in 2027. Given his 6.18 ERA, it would seem unlikely they pick it up.
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Luis Severino has a player option for $22 million for 2027. Given that he's been out of action since late May, there is a chance he could end up taking the guaranteed money heading into an offseason where there is an expected lockout looming that could impact how he's viewed on the market.
If Severino returns, that could push Jump to third in the rotation.
Lopez is obviously in the mix, but he may not be guaranteed anything. Instead, he may have to earn his role in camp.
The same would seemingly go for Jack Perkins, who has a 6.14 ERA in 15 starts, but he's also hitting his stride right now, holding a much-improved 4.30 ERA in three September starts. He also holds a vastly better 4.73 FIP on the season, which suggests he's pitching much better than the results indicate.
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These would be the main options for the club to consider, while guys like Mason Barnett, Kade Morris, and Luis Morales continue to be depth options for the team.
That would also leave the A's with some work to do this offseason, either via free agency or the trade market.
Comment below: Which route do you want to see them take, and which players are trade bait?
