It just seems that Jed Lowrie cannot leave the Oakland A’s behind. He has left the organization twice in his career, only to return after those brief sojourns. After an ill-fated two years with the Mets, Lowrie is back once more, having signed a minor league contract.
Should Lowrie make the roster at some point this season, he would officially have three stints in the majors with the A’s. This would make him the first player since Rickey Henderson to do so, although Henderson had four separate stints in Oakland.
Jed Lowrie hoping to join Rickey Henderson
Obviously, there is a difference between Henderson and Lowrie. Henderson was a legend, a no question Hall of Fame player who shattered the major league stolen base record. Lowrie, when healthy, has been a solid player, but will never be confused with one of the greats of the game.
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That is not to say that Lowrie is without value. He has been a solid player during his previous stints in Oakland, producing a .271/.341/.413 batting line in his 2922 plate appearances. Lowrie hit 60 homers and 172 doubles in that time, while having the only four seasons of his major league career where he appeared in over 100 games.
Lowrie does have an opportunity to have that third major league stint with the A’s. Second base is hardly a settled position in Oakland, and could be a battle throughout spring training. If healthy, Lowrie could end up playing a significant role in 2021.
But that is always the caveat when it comes to Lowrie. He has been a solid enough player, capable of playing anywhere on the infield. His respectable pop and solid bat can be assets. However, that may be a lot to expect from someone who has appeared in just eight major league games over the past two years.
If Jed Lowrie has that third stint with the Oakland A’s, he will become the first player to do so since Rickey Henderson. That is certainly company to aspire for.