A's avoid arbitration with Pinder, Smith

The A’s announced Tuesday that they have signed utility man Chad Pinder and right-hander Burch Smith to one-year contracts for the 2021 season. Oakland did not disclose official terms for the deals, but a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that Pinder’s contract is worth $2.275 million and Smith signed for $705,000.

Pinder was set to enter his second round of arbitration, while Smith had accrued enough service time to be arbitration-eligible for the first time. Fellow 40-man roster members Chris Bassitt, Mark Canha, Matt Chapman, Tony Kemp, Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, Matt Olson and Lou Trivino remain eligible for arbitration.

Pinder appeared at second base, third base, left field, right field and designated hitter across 24 games for the A’s in 2020, finishing with a .232/.295/.393 slash line and a pair of homers in 61 plate appearances. While the A’s outfield cast may be in transition with Robbie Grossman now a free agent, Oakland may prefer to keep Pinder in his super-utility role in ‘21. Pinder has played every position except catcher and pitcher since debuting with the club in ’16.

Smith made his Oakland debut in 2020 after previous stints with the Padres, Royals, Brewers and Giants. The righty gave up three runs across 12 innings of relief (2.25 ERA) in the shortened season, pairing 13 strikeouts with one walk and one homer allowed.