White Cleat Beat
Fansided

Oakland A’s cut ties with Skye Bolt far too late

By David Hill

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 29: Skye Bolt #49 0f the Oakland Athletics runs out a ground ball during an exhibition game against the Cleveland Indians at Las Vegas Ballpark on February 29, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Athletics defeated the Indians 8-6. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 29: Skye Bolt #49 0f the Oakland Athletics runs out a ground ball during an exhibition game against the Cleveland Indians at Las Vegas Ballpark on February 29, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Athletics defeated the Indians 8-6. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

It was inevitable that the Oakland A’s would make a move with their roster. Jed Lowrie had to be added to the 40 man, and Trevor Rosenthal‘s injury is not bad enough to be placed on the 60 day Injured List. Someone would need to be let go.

That player turned out to be Skye Bolt, who the A’s designated for assignment on Thursday. This move not only seemed as though it would eventually take place, but needed to occur sooner.

Oakland A’s finally move on from Skye Bolt

Bolt had a brief cup of coffee in the majors, notching one hit, a double, and a walk in his 11 plate appearances while striking out three times. He has been an interesting player in the minors, posting a .249/.335/.426 batting line with 54 homers, 99 doubles, and 47 steals over his 1974 plate appearances.

More from White Cleat Beat

His decent pop, solid speed, and ability to play all three outfield positions make him the type of player that almost every team would keep on their roster as a depth piece. That is essentially what Bolt had been, even though he did not get another look in 2020 despite the expanded rosters and Ramon Laureano‘s suspension.

The problem is that there is more to Bolt than that. His statements about the Black Lives Matter movement back in January in the wake of the insurrection in Washington D.C. flew in the face of what the A’s organization states that they believe in. That comments drew the wrath of others on social media, including Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman.

Frankly, the A’s should have let Bolt go at that point. While he may intrigue with his overall skillset, he is really just a depth outfielder. He is the type of player that can be found floating on the waiver wire, someone who can produce at Triple-A, but has not done much in their chances at the major league level. And now, his time has come.

Next. Three bold predictions for 2021. dark

The Oakland A’s have designated Skye Bolt for assignment. This move was inevitable, but it was one that should have been made months ago.