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Jonah Bride getting his chance with Oakland A’s

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 22: General view of the Oakland Athletics logos in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at the Oakland Coliseum on July 22, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in 10 innings. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JULY 22: General view of the Oakland Athletics logos in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at the Oakland Coliseum on July 22, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in 10 innings. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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Jonah Bride has become one of the more interesting prospects for the Oakland A’s. Originally drafted as a third baseman, he has morphed into a utility man, learning first and second base. Last year, the A’s put him behind the plate, adding even more versatility to his profile. Bride picked up catching quickly and has been surprisingly solid defensively this year considering how new he is to the position.

It should not be a surprise that Bride was able to learn how to be a catcher that quickly. A 23rd round selection in the 2018 MLB Draft, he has been the picture of perseverance in his professional career, battling through a horrific slump in 2019 that left his future in question.

Jonah Bride’s hard work pays off with Oakland A’s promotion

That hard work and perseverance have paid off. The A’s are promoting Bride to the majors, sending Kevin Smith back to Triple-A.

Bride could slot in to replace Smith at the hot corner if he does not end up in a super utility role. His production in the minors this season, a .347/.443/.581 batting line with five homers and 14 doubles over 149 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A, is worth a look in the starting lineup moving forward.

According to MLB.com, Bride is the best fastball hitter in the A’s system. A solid contact hitter with some pop, he has an excellent approach at the plate, drawing 144 walks with just 211 strikeouts in his 1192 minor league plate appearances.

While there is no guarantee that any player will find success, no one is going to work harder than Bride. He has overcome his lower draft status to become one of the A’s top 30 prospects while learning different positions on the fly. That desire could make Bride one of the bigger surprises for the A’s this year.

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Jonah Bride is getting his chance with the Oakland A’s. His hard work and determination could make him a surprise piece for the future.