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Oakland A’s: What is Going On at Second Base?

By Riley Wilkins

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 3: Jed Lowrie #8 and Manager Bob Melvin #6 of the Oakland Athletics talk in the dugout prior to the game against the New York Yankees in the American League Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium on October 3, 2018 New York, New York. The Yankees defeated the Athletics 7-2. Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 3: Jed Lowrie #8 and Manager Bob Melvin #6 of the Oakland Athletics talk in the dugout prior to the game against the New York Yankees in the American League Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium on October 3, 2018 New York, New York. The Yankees defeated the Athletics 7-2. Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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Jed Lowrie

Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

He’s back!

Jed Lowrie has officially reunited with the Oakland A’s for the third time in his career. Lowrie’s 2021 season is a mystery that can turn out several different ways. The switch-hitting second baseman might take away the starting role from the incumbents. He might be a bench guy that gives the A’s good at-bats when they need them most. He might get hurt and only play in a handful of games. There are no numbers to tell us what to expect because he hasn’t played in two years.

The last time we saw Lowrie, he was mashing doubles and playing a solid defensive second base for the A’s in 2018. Father Time and injuries have probably zapped some of Jed’s defense and speed, but if the 12-year veteran can have an offensive season close to the one he had in Oakland in 2018, that would more than make up for a diminished glove. Perhaps Jed could see some time as a DH or first base if something goes wrong with Olson or the recently acquired Mitch Moorland. No matter how he does it, I am sure that A’s fans would love to see an old fan favorite get his career back on track in the Green and Gold.

As the season progresses, more options might become available if the current ones aren’t cutting it. At the trade deadline, the A’s could pick up a veteran similarly to how the team acquired LaStella last year. Another option could be moving aging shortstop Elvis Andrus to second and calling up defense-first prospect Nick Allen if the organization feels like he has developed enough to start contributing to a winning team.

Next. The A's ideal starting rotation. dark

There aren’t any guaranteed answers this year for the Oakland A’s at second base, but three-time Manager of the Year Bob Melvin has options, and he has proven time and time again that he can make the most of flexible situations like the one they have now at second base.