Oakland A’s: All Seth Brown needed was a chance

It was clear that Seth Brown had nothing left to prove in the minors. He had emerged as a dangerous power hitter during his last two years in the minor leagues, hitting over 30 homers in both seasons. He even performed relatively well in his brief trial with the Oakland A’s in 2019, showing flashes of potentially being a solid major league bat. All he needed was a chance.

Strangely, that chance never came in 2020. Even with the expanded rosters, and the ongoing struggles of Khris Davis as the A’s designated hitter, Brown only received five plate appearances. He did nothing in that time, striking out twice, but he hardly had much of an opportunity either.

Seth Brown just needed a chance with the Oakland A’s

That chance has come this season. With Chad Pinder being placed on the Injured List, and Ka’ai Tom unable to have his success in spring training carry over to the regular season, Brown found himself pressed into service often.

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To say that he has answered the bell would be an understatement. Brown has been swinging one of the hotter bats on the A’s this season, posting a .259/.317/.552 batting line in 63 plate appearances, hitting two doubles and five homers. His 148 OPS+ ranks second on the A’s, trailing only Matt Olson.

Brown has also been useful defensively. His versatility has allowed him to make appearances at both corner outfield spots and at first when Olson was sidelined after hitting himself in the eye. He has been reasonably solid in the outfield, saving a run in both left and right while showing above average range.

Even though Pinder is getting closer to a return, and the A’s are starting to get healthy once again, it is hard to imagine that his chances would disappear. With the way he has been swinging the bat, and his power potential, the A’s will find ways to get him into the lineup.

Seth Brown just needed the Oakland A’s to give him a chance. Now that he has that opportunity, he is not going to give it up.