Why Athletics will let $2.85 million former Yankees reliever walk in free agency

The Athletics need to improve their pitching staff to contend in 2027.

That could mean spending a little bit more in free agency or making trades for controllable relievers.

However, the A's have just one more season in West Sacramento before making the big move to Las Vegas.

Will ownership be willing to have a higher payroll next year, or will they wait for when the AL West club moves to Vegas?

Whichever route they decide, the A's could use a few proven high-leverage relievers this offseason.

They could consider bringing back right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. , but FanSided's Zachary Rotman predicts they will let the former New York Yankee walk in free agency.

"The Athletics could look at how Leiter pitched down the stretch of his season and attempt to bring him back, but this right-hander is set to hit free agency in the offseason and is a 35-year-old without an exciting track record," Rotman wrote.

"If the price is right, there're worse relievers they can sign, but the A's should be looking to upgrade. That means letting Leiter go and replacing him with someone better, even if John Fisher has to spend a little bit more money."

Leiter suffered a season-ending hip injury and underwent surgery in July. He posted a 4.28 ERA in 36 appearances out of the A's bullpen but allowed just one run in his final 18 innings.

Leiter would be a cheap option for the A's, but the bullpen could use someone with more firepower for the later innings of ballgames.