Height
6'1"
Weight
215 lbs
Age
29
College
BYU
Experience
2 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsB-
| Year | Team | GP | ERA | W-L | K | WHIP | IP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 64 | 3.139535 | 4-4 | 78 | 1.0883721 | 0.0 | 0 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
AAV
$780K/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Justin Sterner's one-year, $0.8M deal with the Athletics earns a solid B CVI, representing shrewd value acquisition for a rebuilding franchise. The reliever brings solid starter upside at near-minimum salary, giving Oakland exceptional cost efficiency as they navigate their transition period before the Las Vegas move. For a team prioritizing financial flexibility while remaining competitive enough to develop young talent, Sterner's contract hits the sweet spot — low financial commitment with legitimate bullpen depth that could easily outperform his modest AAV. The Athletics' farm system timeline aligns perfectly with this type of short-term, prove-it deal, as Sterner can either emerge as a trade chip if he excels or simply provide stable innings without hampering future payroll flexibility. In today's relief pitcher market where middling arms routinely command $3-5M annually, securing a pitcher with solid starter potential for $800K represents the kind of asymmetric betting that competitive rebuilds require.
Performance Analysis
Justin Sterner grades as a near-elite performer among MLB relief pitchers, earning a A- Performance grade. He carries a 3.13 ERA (below the league average of 4.20, a strong mark) and a 1.07 WHIP across 69.0 innings pitched with a 9.7 K/9 rate. His 4-3 record provides context on team support and run prevention. A 9.7 K/9 rate indicates above-average swing-and-miss stuff. As a sophomore at 29, Justin is a key contributor for the Athletics.
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