A's, third baseman Gio Urshela reach agreement on 1-year deal, AP source says
Third baseman Gio Urshela has reached an agreement on a one-year contract with the Athletics ahead of the team's first season in West Sacramento, according to a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations.
Urshela's deal is pending a physical, the person said Friday, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract wasn't finalized.
Third base was a top priority as the club continues to build its roster to play at least the next three seasons in West Sacramento, before hopes of building a new ballpark and moving to Las Vegas.
The 33-year-old Urshela batted .250 with nine home runs and 52 RBIs last season between Detroit and Atlanta. A slick defensive player, he has also played for the Yankees, Cleveland, Toronto, Minnesota and the Los Angeles Angels during a nine-year major league career.
Last weekend, the A's acquired left-handers Jeffrey Springs and Jacob Lopez in a multiplayer trade with the Tampa Bay Rays to boost their rotation.
The A's also finalized a $67 million, three-year contract with veteran right-hander Luis Severino earlier this month.