Oakland Athletics’ Offseason Targets: Five Potential Options for Second Base

Jul 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman Emilio Bonifacio (64) scores past Chicago Cubs catcher Taylor Teagarden (27) in the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Emilio Bonifacio / 30 years old

Positions: Second Base/Third Base/Outfielder

Bats: Both   Throws: Right

Height: 5’ 11”   Weight: 205 lb.

Yes, this Santo Domingo native has had an abysmal year during his age 30 season: .167/.198/.192 slash line over 78 at-bats. However, he fits the Oakland system to a tee. Not only can he play every single position on the field besides pitcher or catcher – because he hasn’t tried – but also can be interchangeable throughout the lineup. He’s a career .260 hitter with gap-to-gap power, but can also be a game-wrecker on the base paths. When given the opportunity, Bonifacio can swipe between 20-30 bases and as we’ve seen from Billy Burns this season, producing runs is much easier when a player can turn a walk into a double. Bonifacio’s poor performance also makes him easier for Oakland to sign from a financial perspective. In fact, the A’s could probably get this switch-hitting utility player for the veteran’s minimum. For not much investment, Emilio could be an interesting option this off-season.

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