The Oakland Athletics have made a savvy veteran addition, agreeing to terms with free agent infielder Gio Urshela on a major league contract, sources confirmed to ESPN. The 33-year-old Urshela brings a reliable glove and positional versatility as the A’s look to round out their infield options heading into the 2025 season.
Urshela has bounced around in recent years, suiting up for the Angels, Tigers, and Braves since 2023. He finished last season in Atlanta, where he hit a respectable .265 over 36 games. The Colombian native is no stranger to new uniforms, as the A’s will mark his eighth MLB team over a solid nine-year career in which he’s compiled a .273 batting average and 73 home runs.
Infield Depth and Flexibility
While primarily a third baseman, Urshela has capably manned every infield position over the past two seasons. This defensive adaptability is likely a major selling point for an Oakland club seeking to enhance their depth on the corners. Urshela’s signing provides manager Mark Kotsay the luxury of moving players around to optimize matchups and keep guys fresh over the 162-game grind.
Beyond his glovework, Urshela is lauded as a steady clubhouse presence. His veteran leadership could prove invaluable on a largely youthful A’s roster aiming to take the next step. At 33, Urshela still has plenty in the tank and figures to compete for regular reps at either infield corner.
Athletics’ Ambitious Offseason
Urshela is the latest in an intriguing series of offseason maneuvers by the budget-conscious A’s. Earlier, they inked former Yankees starter Luis Severino in free agency and swung a trade for Rays hurler Jeffrey Springs. Bolstering both the rotation and position player depth signals that Oakland has designs on contending in a tough AL West.
Gio is a guy who makes any infield better. Solid defender, quality at-bats, and a great teammate. He’ll help the A’s in a lot of ways.
AL Executive on Urshela signing
While terms of the Urshela deal have not yet been released, he figures to slot in at a reasonable price point for the cost-conscious Athletics. Finding value and clubhouse stability in the same player is a win for a front office that has to carefully allocate its resources.
Veteran Presence, Youthful Core
Integrating a proven vet like Urshela with Oakland’s promising young core could accelerate the club’s rebuild. Players like catcher Shea Langeliers and pitcher Ken Waldichuk, key returns from the Frankie Montas trade, are entering their primes and poised to make an impact. Adding Urshela’s steadying presence to the mix bodes well for an A’s infield that has struggled with consistency.
- Career .273 hitter across nine MLB seasons
- Experience at every infield position (mainly 3B)
- Respected veteran leader in the clubhouse
While Urshela may not be a headline-grabbing signing, he embodies the shrewd, under-the-radar moves that have become a hallmark of the Oakland organization. If he can provide a stable presence in the infield and mentor the Athletics’ rising stars, this deal has the potential to become a significant bargain. As opening day inches closer, the Gio Urshela addition is shaping up as a smart baseball move for an A’s team hungry to surprise in the AL West.
