Oakland A’s: Dillon Overton signs with Rakuten Monkeys

Former Oakland A’s pitcher Dillon Overton is heading overseas, having signed a deal with the Rakuten Monkeys of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.

Several former Oakland A’s pitchers have signed overseas this offseason. Dan Straily opted to remain in the Korean Baseball Organization, signing another one year deal. Raul Alcantara, who had also dominated the KBO in 2020, has moved on to Nippon Professional Baseball. Daniel Mengden is heading to the KBO as well. Now, Dillon Overton is looking overseas in an attempt to jumpstart his career.

Overton will not be facing off with, or joining, either of the former A’s pitchers. Instead, he is heading to the Chinese Professional Baseball League, as he has signed a contract with the Rakuten Monkeys.

A second round draft pick by the A’s in the 2013 MLB Draft, Overton had plenty of upside before Tommy John surgery sapped his velocity. He performed well as he moved through the A’s system, but was unable to replicate that success at the major league level.

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Overton had seven appearances for Oakland, spanning 24.1 innings. During that time, he allowed 31 runs on 48 hits, including seven homers, and seven walks, striking out 17 batters. He was designated for assignment after the season, and was traded to the Mariners for minor leaguer Jason Goldstein.

He was not long for the Mariners, making nine appearances before being placed on waivers. Overton was then selected by the Padres, making one major league appearance for San Diego before spending the rest of his time in AAA. Overall, he posted a 9.13 ERA and a 1.880 WHiP in his 47.1 major league innings, issuing 11 walks with 28 strikeouts.

Now, he will head to Taiwan in hopes of resurrecting his career. He had been inconsistent in the minors after his brief time in the majors, and a change of scenery was needed. At 29 years old, there is still time for Overton to become a viable major league arm, provided that he can make those needed adjustments.

Former Oakland A’s pitcher Dillon Overton is joining the ranks of players that are heading overseas. Maybe his trek to Taiwan will turn his career around.