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Oakland A’s: Constructing the ideal Opening Day lineup

By David Hill

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 26: Matt Chapman #26 of the Oakland Athletics fields a ground ball against the Texas Rangers in the bottom of the ninth inning at Globe Life Field on August 26, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 26: Matt Chapman #26 of the Oakland Athletics fields a ground ball against the Texas Rangers in the bottom of the ninth inning at Globe Life Field on August 26, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

The Oakland A’s outfield will also have some changes

Right field – Stephen Piscotty

Stephen Piscotty appeared to be on the verge of blossoming into the player he was expected to be in his first season with the Oakland A’s. However, he has struggled since, his numbers steadily declining in each of his three seasons on the west coast. His .226/.271/.358 batting line with five homers and six doubles, his worst major league season. While Mark Canha could eventually take over, Piscotty is likely to be a part of the Opening Day lineup.

Center field – Ramon Laureano

This is the one area in the Oakland A’s outfield that is set. Ramon Laureano is a future Gold Glove winner in center and could be the next A’s superstar. He catapulted to the attention of the national audience last season when he charged the Astros’ dugout, making him an immediate fan favorite. While his .213/.338/.366 batting line with six homers and eight doubles was a disappointment, he could easily return to form next year.

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Left field – Seth Brown

The A’s lineup is very right hand heavy, so it would make sense for another left handed hitter to slot in at left. Mark Canha will be a factor, but he is most valuable filling in at different places. Seth Brown, however, fits the bill as a left handed hitting power bat, and could get a look in 2021. He has two seasons with over 30 homers in the minors, and could be the piece the A’s need. At 28 years old, this is also likely his last chance to prove to Oakland that he can be a viable major league player.