We know it doesn't take just one player to win a World Series. If that were the case, the Los Angeles Angels would win it every year with three-time MVP Mike Trout roaming the outfield.
This offseason, the Angels -- now being managed by Joe Maddon -- made a couple of additions that make things a little more difficult for the A's in 2020.
In the middle of December, the Halos signed All-Star third baseman Anthony Rendon to a seven-year, $245 million contract. The free agent was well sought after during the offseason feeding frenzy.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Despite not needing much infield help with the production Tommy La Stella and David Fletcher provided in 2019, the Angels were willing to adjust to acquire him.
Rendon brings a power bat to a new league, coming off a hefty 2019 season where he was voted third in NL MVP voting. His .319/.412/.598 line with 34 home runs and a 1.010 OPS is pretty darn impressive.
The Angels also added pitcher Julio Teheran on a one-year, $9 million deal to add to a rotation that desperately needed it. The 28-year-old is reliable and has pitched in at least 30 games per season since 2013. He will be part of the Halos' rotation in 2020.
There is a possibility the team adds to that rotation -- more than likely in a trade.
Oakland Athletics
Additionally, two-way star Shohei Ohtani is more of a secret (not much of a secret anymore) weapon than will be in that starting rotation, but it depends on how the Angels play.
Ohtani underwent knee surgery in September and Maddon did mention during the Winter Meetings he would be willing to have Ohtani hit on the days he pitches.
The scenario could change if the Angels are in playoff contention around the All-Star break, as they probably would want to save his arm for innings in the second half.
This is all before the world gets to see top prospect Jo Adell do some damage and share the outfield with Trout.
These offseason moves were made so the eight-time All-Star didn't have to watch the playoffs from his couch over and over again.
[RELATED: Where Matt Chapman ranks in Statcast metric for infielders]
The Houston Astros, of course, will be the A's biggest competition in the division. Losing Gerrit Cole to the Yankees took a slight strain off of the race, but they are a headache to pitch to up and down the lineup.
Oakland's history shows the struggle of the one-and-done game is real. If the A's want to kick their wild-card woes to the curb this year, beating the revamped Angels will be crucial.