Oakland A’s: Seth Brown may not get another chance
If Seth Brown was going to receive a real chance to prove himself with the Oakland A’s, this was going to be the year. Oakland had openings in the outfield and at designated hitter, providing the minor league slugger with an opportunity to make the Opening Day roster.
But that changed in February. Mitch Moreland was signed to serve as the A’s DH, leaving Brown to contend for an outfield role. As Ka’ai Tom performed well and had to be kept on the major league roster due to his status as a Rule V draft pick, Brown was left on the outside looking in.
Seth Brown may have already had his chance
He had a solid enough spring training. Brown produced a .226/.359/.613 batting line in 39 plate appearances, with three doubles, three homers, and seven walks. However, he also struck out 12 times, which was potentially worrisome.
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Despite his solid power during March, he was optioned to Triple-A, where he will again serve as a depth option. When last Brown played in the minors in 2019, he posted a .986 OPS with 37 homers and 29 doubles. He would seem to have proven everything he needed to, especially after an impressive 26 game showing in the majors that year.
But he never got much of a chance last season. Even with the expanded rosters and Khris Davis‘ struggles as the DH, Brown only received five plate appearances in seven games. Now he may need an injury in order to get another extended look in the majors.
That chance may never come. Brown will turn 29 years old during the season, and while he may well turn out to be a productive major leaguer at some point, it does not appear as though that will happen in Oakland. He just does not have a place in their future plans.
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If Seth Brown was to get a real chance with the Oakland A’s, this was the year it would happen. At this point, it does not seem he will get that opportunity.