The Oakland A’s spate of injuries gave Frank Schwindel another chance at the majors. With Mitch Moreland on the Injured List, Schwindel was given more of a look at the major league level. While he did show some pop, he was still considered expendable, having been designated for assignment when Moreland returned.
On Sunday, the Chicago Cubs swooped in, claiming Schwindel on waivers. He was optioned to Triple-A, but is officially a part of their 40 man roster.
Frank Schwindel has been claimed off waivers by the Cubs.
— Shayna Rubin (@ShaynaRubin) July 18, 2021
Frank Schwindel gives Chicago Cubs options
To be fair to the A’s, Schwindel did not exactly do much to indicate that he was a major league caliber player. While he did have a double and a homer in his 20 plate appearances, that accounted for two of his three hits. He also struck out five times without drawing a walk. With an even worse showing in a 15 game stint with the Royals in 2017, Schwindel appears to be nothing more than organizational depth.
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Nonetheless, he still has value to the Cubs. As a team that is set to begin selling, several big names could be on the block. With impending free agents such as Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, the Cubs will need to find pieces to replace those players should they be traded away before the deadline.
Clearly, Schwindel is not the same caliber of player as Rizzo. However, he has performed well in Triple-A, putting together a .300/.338/.530 batting line with 67 homers and 90 doubles in his 1364 plate appearances. While he has drawn only 67 walks, Schwindel has been able to make solid contact, striking out only 206 times.
In theory, should Rizzo be traded, Schwindel would get a chance to prove himself at the major league level. He does not appear to have anything left to prove in the minors, having done well at Triple-A over the years. It is just a matter of getting a long enough look to show whether or not he can be a viable major league option.
The Chicago Cubs could give Frank Schwindel the chance he has yet to receive. His time may finally come with the Cubs.