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3 players possibly on chopping block for Oakland A’s

By David Hill

SUPRISE, AZ - March 1: Mickey McDonald of the Oakland Athletics hits a home run during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 1, 2020 in Suprise, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
SUPRISE, AZ - March 1: Mickey McDonald of the Oakland Athletics hits a home run during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 1, 2020 in Suprise, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

The Oakland A’s, just like every other MLB team, will be facing a few difficult decisions in the coming days. Rosters will be decreasing from 28 players down to 26 as the league has determined that teams should now be able to handle the shortened spring training. While the league can keep 14 pitchers if they want, two players are about to see their time in the majors come to an end.

This leaves the A’s in a somewhat interesting position. As they are rebuilding, they need to find pieces for the future. This also means that some players who statistically appear as though they should be sent back to Triple-A could stay around. Of course, there are always the phantom IL moves to open up those roster spots.

Three players potentially on Oakland A’s chopping block

The next few days could help the A’s make these choices. Players that were on the line may be able to solidify their spot on the roster. Meanwhile, players that were on that cusp could suddenly crater, sealing their fate. For now, however, we have to go with what is before us.

The Oakland A’s are going to have to trim their roster soon. Let’s take a look at three players that could be on the chopping block.

Mickey McDonald

In theory, Mickey McDonald could be a useful part for the Oakland A’s. He can play all three outfield spots and has a good amount of experience at third over the course of his professional career. Add in the fact that he is a switch hitter, and he should be someone that could serve a valuable bench role.

The problem is that McDonald has had zero opportunity to show whether or not he can play at the major league level. He has all of six plate appearances heading into Wednesday, drawing two walks and striking out three times.

Yes, McDonald is going to turn 27 years old this season. However, he has all of 66 games of experience at Triple-A, with 2022 being the first season that he actually started the year at that level. He still needs more time to get the most out of his potential.

That is not going to come while sitting on a major league bench. He needs to be getting plate appearances and regular playing time. While there is something to be said for the experience of being in the majors, the A’s are not helping McDonald develop if he is not going to play.

Mickey McDonald needs more playing time. That will not happen until the Oakland A’s send him back to Triple-A.