In this episode of Locked On A’s, host Booney dives into the heart of the MLB offseason: the Winter Meetings. Known as a critical time for team building, the Winter Meetings set the stage for major trades and free-agent moves. Booney provides a detailed look at the Oakland Athletics’ history of bold, small-market decisions, including trades that defined the team’s direction. From the pivotal 2022 moves involving Chris Bassitt, Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, and Frankie Montas to the recent controversies surrounding Luis Severino’s signing, Booney evaluates whether the A’s strategies were wins or losses. This episode explores how Oakland has balanced financial limitations with player development, giving fans a realistic take on their team’s decision-making process.

Later, Booney turns the focus to the A’s history of letting free agents walk. Revisiting players like Miguel Tejada, Starling Marte, Jon Lester, Barry Zito, and Jason Giambi, Booney examines whether the A’s made the right choices in parting ways with these stars. Balancing sentimentality with practicality, this segment highlights the challenges of operating in a small market while keeping fans engaged. Whether you’re an A’s fan reminiscing about the glory days or looking ahead to future possibilities, this episode is packed with insightful analysis and passionate commentary.