It is now or never for Vimael Machin

If everything goes according to plan, the Oakland A’s are going to have plenty of openings on the major league roster. Virtually every spot in the lineup is expected to be open once the lockout ends and the A’s make their expected trades. Those players stuck in the Quad-A limbo could finally get their chance to show that they can be viable major league options.

That is the case with Vimael Machin. Acquired from the Phillies during the 2020 Rule V Draft, Machin has an incredible ability to make contact and the defensive versatility to play either middle infield position or third base.

Vimael Machin has to prove himself to Oakland A’s in 2022

He has been solid during his time in the minors. Machin owns a career .274/.364/.391 batting line in his 2165 minor league plate appearances, hitting 36 homers and 95 doubles. While he may not have much power or speed, he has been able to make contact and get on base, two traits that the A’s value.

That success has not translated to the majors. Machin has just 108 plate appearances over the past two seasons, but he only has 17 hits with his two doubles the only extra base hits on his ledger. While he has drawn 11 walks with only 20 strikeouts, he has not done enough to get more of a look.

If that is going to change, it will be in 2022. Machin’s defensive versatility gives him a leg up as a utility option at the very least, and he could even be an option at second base at the start of the year. But that would also involve his having a strong spring training and showing that he can survive in the majors.

Vimael Machin has essentially become a Quad-A player for the Oakland A’s. This may be his final chance to prove that he can be a major league option.