White Cleat Beat
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3 prospects that disappointed thus far for Oakland A’s

By David Hill

MESA, AZ - February 29: Robert Puason of the Oakland Athletics stands in the dugout prior to the game against the Cleveland Indians at Hohokam Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
MESA, AZ - February 29: Robert Puason of the Oakland Athletics stands in the dugout prior to the game against the Cleveland Indians at Hohokam Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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Oakland A's shortstop Robert Puason
CLIFFORD OTO/THE STOCKTON RECORD /

Robert Puason

Robert Puason had been considered the second best international prospect when he was signed by the Oakland A’s. Jasson Dominguez was the only other player in that signing period to receive a bonus of $5 million or more, speaking volumes about the type of player that Puason was supposed to be.

But Puason has yet to show that he can be that player. His professional debut in 2021 was an abject disappointment, leading to his being sent back to Low-A to begin the 2022 campaign. The hope was that, although he was still young for the level, the repetition would help get him on track and allow him to start to tap into his immense potential.

Instead, he has been even worse to start the 2022 season. Puason posted a miserable .210/.269/.210 batting line in his 67 plate appearances in April, striking out 23 times with four walks. His .478 OPS is actually 96 points worse than his showing last season.

There is still time for Puason to develop into a solid piece for the A’s. He is just 19 years old after all, and did have his professional debut held back due to the pandemic. Nonetheless, there will come a time where the A’s will need to see some semblance of progress. Otherwise, he may turn out to be another high priced disappointment.

Robert Puason was supposed to be a key part of the Oakland A’s future. Instead, he needs to find himself in the present.