Sources told Jeff Passan on Monday that the Oakland A's have hired Mark Kotsay as their next manager.
A former bench coach with the A's, Kotsay was Oakland's third baseman last season. He takes over for Bob Melvin, who left to manage the San Diego Padres.
A former major league outfielder, Kotsay played for seven different teams. He finished his career with a.279 batting average and 127 home runs.
The A's, who have a small payroll, have been a contender in the American League for a long time. The Oakland A's were in the running for a wild-card spot last season, but eventually fell to the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.
Oakland finished six games off of the wild-card cut-off line.
There have been rumors about potential Oakland trades that could alter the club's payroll and makeup. There has been no major news yet.
Two years of control remain for Matt Chapman and Matt Olson, which is why the A's are considering moving them. Sean Manaea, Chris Bassitt, and Frankie Montas would all be available if the players move. Sean Murphy has four years left on his contract and could be had for the right offer.
The MLB Network reported news of the promotion.
