Editor's note: Over the next two weeks, we will examine 10 A's players who may or may not return to Oakland next season. For each player, we will provide reasons why the A's should bring him back and reasons why they should not, followed by a final determination.
Yusmeiro Petit, RHP
Contract: $5.5 million club option for 2020 ($1 million buyout)
Reasons to bring him back
Petit has been absolutely phenomenal since signing with the A's in 2018. Last season, the right-hander went 7-3 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 93 innings. He was even better this season, going 5-3 with a 2.71 ERA and 0.81 WHIP in 83 innings.
Even at 34 years old, Petit shows no signs of slowing down. His 80 appearances this season were a career-high and led the AL. He recorded 71 strikeouts compared to just 10 walks, continuing to retire hitters with excellent location and movement, if not velocity.
Petit pitched in just about every situation imaginable this year, from multiple-inning outings to cleaning up another pitcher's mess. His value in Oakland's bullpen cannot be overstated and $5.5 million feels like a bargain for what he should provide, especially since it's only $4.5 million more than his buyout.
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Reasons to let him go
Some would argue that $5.5 million is too much to pay a non-closer, especially on a low-payroll team like the A's. Others might use Petit's age against him -- he turns 35 in November.
That's really all we can come up with and neither argument holds much weight. This feels like a no-brainer.
Final verdict
Petit already has said that he would like to return to the A's next season and there is no logical reason not to pick up his option. The veteran provides tremendous versatility in the A's bullpen and just keeps getting better with age.
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Petit also is beloved in Oakland's clubhouse and has served as a mentor to many of the younger players on the team. That leadership only adds to his all-around value. The A's would be foolish to let Petit go.
