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Oakland A’s: Franklin Barreto finally gets his chance…in LA

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 23: Franklin Barreto #4f of the Oakland Athletics runs home to score the winning run in the 10th inning against the Los Angeles Angels at RingCentral Coliseum on August 23, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 23: Franklin Barreto #4f of the Oakland Athletics runs home to score the winning run in the 10th inning against the Los Angeles Angels at RingCentral Coliseum on August 23, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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After a disappointing tenure with the Oakland A’s, Franklin Barreto is finally getting his chance to start over.

Once upon a time, Franklin Barreto was expected to be a key part of the Oakland A’s future. He was one of the key pieces in the deal that sent Josh Donaldson to Toronto, a top 100 prospect who was supposed to be the answer at second for years to come.

Instead, the former four time top 100 prospect failed to make an impact at the major league level. From 2017 through 2019, he produced a .189/.220/.378 batting line in 209 plate appearances, hitting seven doubles and nine homers. Barreto also drew just seven walks while striking out 85 times, looking completely overmatched.

Although he made the Opening Day roster, Barreto was no longer a part of the A’s plans. Since he was out of minor league options, he essentially existed as a pinch runner and defensive replacement. He had all of ten plate appearances, striking out seven times, but scored five runs in his pinch runner role.

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If Barreto is ever to reach his potential, it will happen in Los Angeles. He was sent to the Angels for Tommy La Stella on Friday, giving the A’s that offensive boost they need at the keystone. It also puts an end to a disappointing chapter in team history, as Barreto never could force his way into the team’s future.

There is still hope that he can develop into a viable major leaguer. Although he had spent parts of the past four seasons in the majors, Barreto is just 24 years old. He has also performed well in AAA, with a ..285/.356/.505 batting line, hitting 64 doubles and 53 homers while stealing 35 bases.

For the Angels, this is a low risk move. La Stella is a free agent after this season, while Barreto had displayed the potential to be a solid all around player. The Angels had also received virtually nothing from Luis Rengifo this season, as his 45 OPS+ is one of the worst amongst major league second basemen. The opportunity is there.

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Franklin Barreto should finally get his chance It just will not happen with the Oakland A’s.