Five Oakland Athletics’ Offseason Targets: Left Field

May 10, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Delmon Young (27) reacts after striking out against the New York Yankees during the third inning of a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Delmon Young: 30 years old

Position: Outfielder

Bats: Right, Throws: Right

Height: 6’ 3”, Weight: 240 lb.

Delmon Young has always been full of All-Star potential, and as a result, he was drafted first overall in the 2003 MLB Amateur Draft. However, after his 2010 campaign when he was voted 10th in the MVP race, his career has slowly dwindled. So much to the point that the Baltimore Orioles release him in 2015 on July 1st despite slashing a modest .270/.289/.339 through 52 games.

Now, while Delmon may not offer much defensive ability, his skill at the plate still warrants a shot in the bigs. He is far removed from being an everyday left fielder, but could provide an excellent platoon option for Melvin. Over the last five years, he has hit lefties at a .295 clip and also still has plenty of power – although more gap-to-gap at this point in his career. It’s obvious Young still has a lot left in the tank and, just like his brother Dmitri Young, I see him having a bit of a resurrection late in his career. Hopefully it can be for the green and gold.

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