The A's have expressed interest in signing free-agent starting pitcher Clay Buchholz, a source told NBC Sports California on Thursday.
While nothing appears to be imminent, the sides have engaged in discussions.
Buchholz, 34, is coming off a terrific bounce-back season with the Diamondbacks. The right-hander went 7-2 with a 2.01 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 16 starts, after beginning the season in the minors.
A two-time All-Star, Buchholz owns a career record of 88-64 with a 3.86 ERA in 12 seasons. He earned just $1.5 million last year, but he figures to get a significant raise after his stellar 2018 campaign.
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It's no secret that the A's are in the market for starting pitching. After non-tendering right-hander Mike Fiers last week, Oakland currently is without a single starting pitcher from last season's end-of-year rotation.
The A's are interested in re-signing right-handers Edwin Jackson and Trevor Cahill, and free agent left-hander Brett Anderson also could be in the mix to return.
Oakland reportedly also has expressed interest in reacquiring right-hander Sonny Gray from the Yankees.
It appears the A's will be quite busy at next week's Winter Meetings.