Oakland A’s: It is now or never for Dustin Fowler

The Oakland A’s need to find an outfielder. With the departure of Robbie Grossman, the A’s are, at minimum, looking to find a depth option that can handle playing in left. While they could look for a low cost free agent, it is more likely that they will turn their eyes towards the minors, hoping to find that needed fit already within their system.

Should the A’s decide to look within their system, it is expected that Seth Brown and Ka’ai Tom will be the leading candidates. Brown has impressed with his power during his minor league career, and Tom is a Rule V Draft pick, needing to stay on the major league roster throughout 2021. However, there is another possible option that no one is really mentioning – Dustin Fowler.

It is now or never for Dustin Fowler

Fowler’s major league career had an inauspicious start. He had ruptured a tendon in his right knee during his major league debut, slamming into an exposed electrical box in Chicago. His first game ended with two outs in the bottom of the first, as his season was over as well.

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Acquired as part of the Sonny Gray deal, Fowler finally got an extended chance in the majors in 2018. However, he did not exactly impress, posting a .224/.256/.354 batting line with six homers and three doubles in his 203 plate appearances. Although his 47 strikeouts were not an egregious number, Fowler only drew eight walks.

That has been the extent of Fowler’s time in the majors. The one time top prospect had a decent showing in AAA in 2019, producing a .277/.333/.477 batting line with 25 homers, 22 doubles, and 12 steals in his 606 plate appearances. However, that was not enough to earn a return to the majors. Fowler also did not receive a look in 2020 despite the expanded rosters.

If Fowler is going to make an impact upon the A’s, 2021 may be his best chance. The team needs outfield depth, and his ability to play all three positions could give him a long look in spring training. His former top prospect pedigree and respectable pop still intrigue. But this could also be his last chance in Oakland.

It is now or never for Dustin Fowler to make an impact with the Oakland A’s. If he is unable to crack the roster this year, he may never get another opportunity.