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Oakland A’s hoping Justin Grimm has something left

By David Hill

Mar 31, 2018; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Justin Grimm (52) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox in the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2018; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Justin Grimm (52) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox in the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland A’s are going to need to be creative to fill out their bullpen. With four members of the bullpen as free agents, and questionable internal options, the A’s will need to scour the open market. However, as they are also reportedly looking to pare down their payroll, they will need to get creative in their quest for bargains.

The first step in that direction came on Monday. The A’s have signed Justin Grimm to a minor league contract, presumably with an invite to spring training when those are permitted to be made official.

Oakland A’s hope to find something in Justin Grimm

There was a time when Grimm was a solid reliever. He found himself after being sent to the Cubs, emerging as a valuable part of their bullpen. Grimm posted a 3.36 ERA and a 1.243 WHiP over his 171.1 innings, striking out 202 batters with 76 walks. While he was not used as a closer, he still provided the Cubs with a strong bridge to the ninth inning.

But everything fell apart afterward. Grimm began to struggle with his command, causing him to bounce between the majors and the minors. He posted a 7.33 ERA and a 1.552 WHiP in his 77.1 innings since the start of the 2017 season, striking out 76 batters while issuing 46 walks and allowing 19 homers. He has since bounced between seven different organizations in that time, including two separate stints with the Mariners.

Those struggles continued in Triple-A last season. He posted a 4.37 ERA and a 1.352 WHiP in his 47.1 innings, striking out 72 batters, but also issuing 21 walks and allowing 11 homers. Although the Mariners revamped their bullpen last year, Grimm was never seen as an option.

Now he is heading to his eighth organization. Given the A’s bullpen issues, and his lofty strikeout rate in Triple-A last season, Grimm could get another chance at the majors. If he implodes during spring training, the A’s can move on with little cost. He is the type of signing that one should expect this offseason.

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The Oakland A’s have signed Justin Grimm to a minor league deal. They are hoping that he has something left as they rebuild the bullpen.