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How Do the Oakland A’s Stack Up Against The AL West

By Riley Wilkins

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 24: Matt Chapman #26 of the Oakland Athletics tags Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels during the game at RingCentral Coliseum on July 24, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Angels 7-3. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JULY 24: Matt Chapman #26 of the Oakland Athletics tags Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels during the game at RingCentral Coliseum on July 24, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Angels 7-3. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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First Base

(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
  1. OAK: Matt Olson
  2. HOU: Yuli Gurriel
  3. SEA: Evan White
  4. TEX: Ronald Guzmán
  5. LAA: Albert Pujols/Jared Walsh

I wrote about my hopes for Olson’s 2021 season earlier this spring, and I still am very optimistic about his 2021 season. Long story short, he plays good defense, he hits home runs, and he has excellent plate discipline (I’m noticing a pattern here with these Oakland A’s players.)

Despite another unanimous pick for the A’s, some players can challenge Olson for the title of the AL West’s best first baseman. Matt Olson’s two-year Gold Glove streak ended last year, with the award going division rival, Evan White, who may rise on this list if his bat develops more. Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel had a down 2020 but has proven to be one of baseball’s premier contact hitters. Former Ray’s prospect Nate Lowe has found a new home on the Texas Rangers, and he has lit up minor league pitching at every level, making him another interesting bat to keep an eye on, but for now, I am ranking him as a DH.

One of the judges, Trevor, is a Seattle loyalist as well as a Matt Olson hater. He made sure to note that Evan White is going places and could pass Matt Olson in these power rankings this year.