Oakland Athletics: Could Rangel Ravelo Assume Max Muncy’s Role In 2016?

The Oakland Athletics always have that one Minor League player that ends up in no man’s land between Triple-A and the Majors for the majority of the season. This year it was Max Muncy. He made the trip between the Minors and the MLB numerous times this season to fill in at first and third base.

Despite having consistent numbers in the Minors, Muncy did struggle with the Athletics. This season, he batted .206/.268/.392 in 45 games played. Additionally, his fielding was not up to par and he committed a total of six errors at first and third.

Even though he did not shine in 2015, he now does have MLB experience and the Oakland Athletics seem to be invested in Muncy. They sent him to play winter ball in the Mexican Pacific League where he will be testing out his fielding skills in the outfield. This would make one assume that the A’s are hoping that Muncy will fill the same backup role – just in more positions – for the team next season.

However, there could be someone else competing for this backup man spot on the 2016 roster. Rangel Ravelo is the Oakland Athletics No. 17 prospect and, like Muncy, can field at first and third base. Ravelo has been quietly making his way up the farm system ladder since being drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2010. But, he may be ready to make an impact with the A’s next season.

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Ravelo suffered a minor setback in during spring training with the Athletics when he injured his wrist, but was still able to make it all the way up to Triple-A by the end of the season. Even though Ravelo did well in Double-A after returning from his injury, he struggled slightly over the 28 games he played in Triple-A this season. However, it seems as though Ravelo has re-found his groove down in the Venezuelan Winter League.

Ravelo has been absolutely magnificent with the Cardenales de Lara. Over the first five games of the season, Ravelo has only been in 19 games. However, these 19 games have been spectacular. He is currently batting .510/.636/.902 with a 1.538 OPS. This also includes five homers and 21 RBI. Additionally, he has only struck out three times, which goes to show that he understands the strike zone well.

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Since Ravelo was invited to spring training with the Oakland Athletics before, it is expected he will be there again next season – especially if he continues to find success with in the Venezuelan Winter League. If Muncy does not prove that he can field well in the other positions, which seems unlikely given that he may be injured right now, then he may not re-earn his spot in the backup man role for the 2016 season – Ravelo may take it. It will be fun to see these two battle it out in the Cactus League next spring. Let’s hope that they both stay healthy in order to make it a fair fight.