3 players possibly on chopping block for Oakland A’s
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.
Adam Kolarek
The Oakland A’s were expecting that Adam Kolarek would be a key part of their bullpen when he was acquired from the Dodgers.
It was easy to understand why. He had gone from being a solid reliever to essentially being a death sentence for a left handed hitter during his time in Los Angeles. Kolarek had put together a 0.88 ERA and a 0.848 WHiP in his 30.2 innings over 46 appearances for the Dodgers. He was supposed to be that lefty specialist in Oakland, getting that key out needd.
But that has not happened. Kolarek has struggled when he has been in the majors for the A’s, posting a 7.36 ERA and a 2.045 WHiP in his 14.2 innings, issuing nine walks and hitting three batters while striking out just eight. The rule where pitchers have to face three batters at minimum has made a major impact upon his performance.
Even then, it would be relatively fine if he was getting lefties out. However, he is not this season as left handed hitters have a .872 OPS against him, albeit in the small sample size of 13 plate appearances. As the A’s have other left handed options in the bullpen, and Kolarek has been ineffective since coming to Oakland, his time could come to an end soon.
The Oakland A’s need to find pieces for their future. Adam Kolarek clearly is not one of those.
Austin Allen
Austin Allen may be spared when cutdown time comes. But his time on the Oakland A’s major league roster will likely end whenever Stephen Vogt is healthy.
Allen has several roster issues working against him. Teams typically do not carry three catchers, and as Sean Murphy is in the lineup every day thus far, a third catcher is about as useful as teeth on a chicken. Even if the A’s do decide to keep a third catcher, it would be someone who can play at other positions, such as Christian Bethancourt.
He has not done much with his major league opportunities over the years, with seven extra base hits and 45 strikeouts in his 124 plate appearances thus far. Allen has also been passed over on the depth chart despite his power potential and his former stature as a relatively intriguing prospect.
Chances are, he will get more time in the majors due to injury or as part of a backup catcher shuffle. He just does not appear to have a future beyond being organizational depth for the A’s. When Vogt is healthy, or the rosters have to be cut down, his time in the majors will be over once again.
Next. Laureano on the comeback trail. dark
Which players do you think are likely to end up as casualties when the roster is cut down? Let us know in the comments below!