Athletics bring back T.J. McFarland on 1-year contract

In a bullpen headlined by All-Star rookie closer Mason Miller that formed into a strength for the Athletics last season, T.J. McFarland emerged as an unsung hero of sorts, thriving in whatever role manager Mark Kotsay threw his way.

Taking a big step toward their goal of returning to playoff contention in 2025 will require continued success from that bullpen, which is why the A’s wasted no time keeping the left-hander in the fold. On Thursday, the club announced that it re-signed McFarland to a one-year deal.

“We’re very happy to have T.J. back for 2025,” general manager David Forst told MLB.com. “He’s a leader in our clubhouse and in our bullpen.”

A veteran of 12 big league seasons, McFarland has long been considered one of the better ground-ball pitchers in the game. That continued in 2024, as the 35-year-old’s ground-ball rate of 59.4% ranked in the 97th percentile among Major Leaguers.

Overall, McFarland turned in one of the better campaigns of his career. He led the Majors with a career-high 79 games pitched while compiling a 3.81 ERA, .252 opponents batting average and .683 opponents OPS. His 15-of-66 (22.7%) inherited runners allowed to score was the seventh-lowest percentage in the Majors.

Just as impactful as McFarland’s performance on the field was his veteran leadership inside the A’s clubhouse. Throughout last season, several young pitchers -- Miller included -- cited McFarland as a resource they constantly leaned on for guidance, learning the ropes of what it takes to withstand a full season.

The A’s bullpen that combined for a 3.83 ERA in ‘24 -- 13th-lowest in the Majors -- remains mostly intact. Another key piece from that group was left-hander Scott Alexander, whom the A’s could also look to re-sign as he tests free agency this offseason. But McFarland’s return gives the A’s a versatile arm who can slot in anywhere in the middle innings, and whether it be for one batter or one-plus innings, he has proven capable of recording big outs in key spots.

“He has the ability to face both right-handed and left-handed hitters,” Forst said of McFarland. “That along with his willingness to take the ball every night will be very valuable again this season.”