The Oakland Athletics have secured a key piece of their bullpen for the 2025 season, agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with left-handed reliever T.J. McFarland. The 35-year-old journeyman is coming off an impressive 2024 campaign where he appeared in a league-high 79 games and posted a solid 3.81 ERA.
A Crucial Cog in the A’s Bullpen Machine
McFarland, who was acquired by the Athletics from the Los Angeles Dodgers just before the start of the 2024 season, quickly became an integral part of Oakland’s relief corps. His ability to generate ground balls and limit damage in high-leverage situations made him a valuable asset for manager Mark Kotsay.
Despite inheriting a high number of runners, McFarland managed to strand 77.3% of them, showcasing his ability to work out of jams. His performance was a key factor in the A’s bullpen ranking among the best in the American League last season.
A Well-Traveled Veteran
T.J. McFarland is no stranger to the rigors of a major league season. The 2025 campaign will mark his 13th year in the big leagues, having previously pitched for the Baltimore Orioles, Arizona Diamondbacks, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and Dodgers before landing in Oakland.
Over his career, McFarland has compiled a 26-20 record with a 4.10 ERA across 433 appearances, all but two of which have come in relief. His experience and durability make him a valuable presence in the clubhouse and on the mound.
T.J. is a pro’s pro. He shows up every day ready to compete and gives us quality innings whenever we call upon him. Having him back in 2025 is a big boost for our bullpen and our team as a whole.
– A’s manager Mark Kotsay, according to a team source
Maintaining Consistency in an Ever-Changing Bullpen Landscape
In an era where bullpen turnover is high, and teams often struggle to find consistent relief pitching, having a steady veteran presence like McFarland can be invaluable. His ability to take the ball on a nearly daily basis and provide quality innings helps stabilize the late-inning bridge to closer Trevor May.
With young arms like A.J. Puk and Dany Jimenez still developing, having an experienced lefty like McFarland to mentor them and provide a calming influence in high-pressure situations can pay dividends both on and off the field.
Building for the Future
The one-year deal for McFarland allows the A’s to maintain flexibility in their roster construction while still retaining a proven commodity in their bullpen. As the team looks to build upon their surprising 2024 success and make a deeper playoff run in 2025, having reliable relievers like McFarland will be crucial.
While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, it is believed to be a modest raise from his 2024 salary, reflecting both his on-field performance and leadership role within the pitching staff.
A Low-Key Move with High-Impact Potential
In a world of flashy free agent signings and blockbuster trades, the re-signing of a 35-year-old middle reliever might not generate a lot of headlines. However, for those who understand the value of a deep, reliable bullpen, the A’s securing T.J. McFarland for another season is a savvy move that could pay big dividends in 2025.
As the Athletics continue to navigate the always-competitive American League West, having a bullpen anchor like McFarland could be the difference between making the playoffs and watching from home in October. For a team that has long prided itself on finding value in unconventional places, re-signing T.J. McFarland is a move that fits perfectly with the Oakland ethos.
Only time will tell how the 2025 season will play out for the A’s and McFarland, but one thing is for sure: with the crafty lefty back in the fold, Oakland’s bullpen looks well-positioned to once again be a strength of the team. As they chase postseason glory, having T.J. McFarland ready to answer the call in the late innings could prove to be a key factor in their success.
