The Oakland Athletics have made a notable move by signing Luis Urias to a one-year, major league contract. This addition comes as a strategic choice for the team, particularly given the current uncertainties in their infield.

Luis Urias Joins A’s Clubhouse

Luis Urias, now 27, has set up his locker in the Athletics’ clubhouse, indicating a strong likelihood that the deal is imminent. Urias is a versatile infielder who brings significant experience and potentially valuable production to a position fraught with question marks.

Twins’ Interest: A Brief Dust-up

Urias had previously caught the attention of the Minnesota Twins, who showed interest in potentially adding him to their roster. However, the Twins ultimately pursued veteran infielder Ty France, who appears to fill the last expected spot on their roster. This leaves the door open for Urias to contribute to the A’s.

A’s Roster Outlook

The Athletics are anticipating a rebound from their current infielders, Zack Gelof and Gio Urshela. Both were signed to major league deals earlier in the off-season, with expectations high for their performance. The team’s commitment to Jacob Wilson as their shortstop adds an element of hope, although his limited experience poses a challenge.

Urias’ 2024 Season with the Mariners

In 2024, Urias played for the Seattle Mariners in a platoon role with Josh Rojas. Despite this setup, he struggled statistically, hitting a reported .191/.303/.394 in 109 big league plate appearances. This marks the second consecutive year that Urias has posted a batting average below .200.

Past Performance: A Winning History

Ironically, Urias was an above-average producer with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2021 to 2022. During these years, he hit .244/.340/.426, with a striking 39 home runs in 1042 plate appearances. Urias managed these numbers in nearly a full-time role, showcasing his potential as a reliable infielder.

Statistical Trends: Areas of Improvement

However, Urias’ recent numbers suggest a shift in his playing style. There has been a significant increase in strikeouts, as well as in ground-ball and pop-up rates over the past two years. These trends highlight the need for a new challenge and a fresh approach to his game.

Defensive Capabilities: Multiple Position Experience

On the defensive side, Urias is an experienced player, with over 1000 innings of big league experience at second base, shortstop, and third base. While metrics like Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average point to him being a below-average defender at shortstop, his performance at second base and third base is more consistently positive. He has been rated as average at second base and plus at third base.

Utility Player Potential

Beyond his role as an infielder, Urias could also serve in a utility player capacity. The Athletics’ current options for this role, Max Schuemann and Darell Hernaiz, are relatively lacking in experience and production. With Urias, the team gains a player who can step in at multiple positions if needed.

Roster Management: Space for Urias

The Athletics are already operating with a full 40-man roster. To make room for Urias, they plan to place Luis Medina, an injured pitcher, on the 60-day injured list. This move is expected to clear the necessary space for Urias to join the organization as a major league player.

Conclusion: Impact on the Team

The signing of Luis Urias represents a shrewd move by the Athletics. His defensive versatility and the potential for a stronger offensive performance could be exactly what the team needs to stabilize their infield. By adding him, the Athletics take a step towards securing a dependable player who can deal with the uncertainties of their current roster.

As the 2025 season approaches, fans and analysts will be eager to see if Urias can reverse the recent downslide in his statistics and return to the form that made him a highly sought-after player.