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Vimael Machin – the Oakland A’s current shortstop

By David Hill

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 14: Vimael Machin #39 of the Oakland Athletics follows through on a single during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners in the second game of a doubleheader at T-Mobile Park on September 14, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. The Oakland Athletics beat the Seattle Mariners 9-0. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 14: Vimael Machin #39 of the Oakland Athletics follows through on a single during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners in the second game of a doubleheader at T-Mobile Park on September 14, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. The Oakland Athletics beat the Seattle Mariners 9-0. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /
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Right now, Vimael Machin is atop the Oakland A’s depth chart at shortstop. Is he ready to take on such a role with the organization?

The Oakland A’s have had success in the Rule V Draft in previous years. Mark Canha had been a Rule V selection, and has become a key utility man on the A’s roster. Vimael Machin was a Rule V draftee in 2020, showing a knack for making contact and the defensive versatility that the organization looks for.

Those traits make it likely that Machin could play a key role in the A’s future, moving around the infield to fill in wherever needed. However, he could play a much larger role than anticipated as soon as the 2021 season.

As it currently stands, the Oakland A’s middle infield is a question mark. With both Tommy La Stella and Marcus Semien still twisting in free agency, the A’s depth chart in those areas is sparse. Machin is currently listed as the starter at short, as well as one of the backups at first and third.

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His overall numbers hardly inspire the confidence that Machin can handle a larger role. He produced a .206/.296/.238 batting line in his 71 plate appearances, with just two doubles as his only extra base hits. While he did draw eight walks while striking out only ten times, he does not appear to have the offensive capability to be a starter.

But his numbers are skewed by a horrifically slow start. Machin started to find his hitting stroke with more playing time in September, finding himself in the lineup as the A’s were running away with the West. He produced a .244/.340/.293 batting line in those 47 plate appearances, hitting both his doubles while drawing six walks and striking out five times.

There may not be much work that needs to be done. While Machin did not barrel a single ball last year, he still had a solid 43.4% hard hit rate. His expected batting line of .293/.331/.397 would be acceptable as a starter.

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Vimael Machin is currently listed as the starting shortstop on the Oakland A’s depth chart. He may be closer to being ready to handle an every day role than one may think.