MLB announcing Oakland versus Seattle as the season-opening series in Japan next year led to speculation that the A’s were committed to re-signing Japanese outfielder Hideki Matsui, but it turns out that may not be the case.
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle writes that the A’s are intent on “going younger” and could pass on re-signing Matsui even if he’s willing to take a pay cut from this season’s $4.25 million salary.
Matsui is 37 years old and coming off the worst season of his career, hitting just .251 with 12 homers and a .696 OPS in 141 games. He came into the year as a career .290 hitter with an .848 OPS.
Slusser reports that Matsui’s agent will meet next week with Billy Beane, but the general manager has hinted that the A’s may spend even less than usual on free agents this winter because they’re waiting to hear back from MLB about a possible new ballpark in San Jose.
