LAS VEGAS - The A's already have one of the strongest bullpens in baseball, but they might not be done adding relievers.
According to multiple sources, Oakland has met with Shawn Kelley's representatives this week at the Winter Meetings. One source described the meeting as producing "positive dialogue."
Kelley, 34, went 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA in 19 games with the A's last season after coming over from the Nationals. He loved his experience in Oakland, saying it rejuvenated him after he had considered retiring.
Kelley may not be the only free agent reliever the A's try to bring back next season. Ken Rosenthal suggested Oakland could also target 29-year-old Jeurys Familia.
One option for #Athletics, if they lose 2B Jed Lowrie as a free agent, would be to reinforce their bullpen the way they did last season. Free agent Jeurys Familia is one likely target. OAK liked job he did after coming over from #Mets. A's also will pursue inexpensive SPs later.— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2018
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Familia went 4-2 with one save and a 3.45 ERA in 30 games last season with the A's after being acquired from the New York Mets. However, Familia earned $7.925 million last season, by far the most of any Oakland reliever.
Rosenthal also noted the A's could target "inexpensive" starting pitchers. As of Wednesday, the team was still talking to right-handers Edwin Jackson and Trevor Cahill, though no deal was imminent
