Oakland A’s: Three players impressing thus far in spring training
By David Hill
Matt Olson
The 2020 season was a disappointment for Matt Olson. While the Oakland A’s slugger did hit 14 homers in his 245 plate appearances, his .195/.310/.424 batting line left a lot to be desired.
The A’s as a whole struggled last season, but they are counting on Olson to return to form. He was a feared middle of the order bat over his previous three seasons, a true power hitter who also played Gold Glove caliber defense at first. Olson’s defense had slipped in 2020 as well, as he just was not the player he had been in the past.
To this point, Olson is looking far more like the player he had been. He had belted three homers and a double in his ten at bats heading into Monday, already showing more promise with the bat than he did last year.
Olson had been a solid hitter prior to 2020. He had produced a .256/.344/.518 batting line in his 1423 plate appearances from 2017 through 2019, belting 89 homers and 61 doubles. He was also a two time Gold Glove winner at first, with his defensive prowess making a major impact on the diamond.
The Oakland A’s need Matt Olson to return to form in 2021. Thus far, he is showing that he should be able to do just that.