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Robert Puason starting to be a concern for Oakland A’s

By David Hill

(5/11/21) Stockton Ports' Robert Puason throws to first after fielding a grounder in the infield during a California League baseball game against the San Jose Giants at the Stockton Ballpark in downtown Stockton. CLIFFORD OTO/THE STOCKTON RECORDPortshomeopener 176a
(5/11/21) Stockton Ports' Robert Puason throws to first after fielding a grounder in the infield during a California League baseball game against the San Jose Giants at the Stockton Ballpark in downtown Stockton. CLIFFORD OTO/THE STOCKTON RECORDPortshomeopener 176a /
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Robert Puason was supposed to be a future star for the Oakland A’s. He was one of two international prospects to command a signing bonus of $5 million or more, joining Jasson Dominguez in 2019-20 class. He had been compared to Tony Fernandez, high praise for any young shortstop.

His career got off to an auspicious start. The 2020 season was lost due to the pandemic, leaving Puason’s debut to come a year later than expected. Even with that missed time, the A’s were relatively aggressive, assigning him to the Stockton Ports for 2021.

Oakland A’s need Robert Puason to show something

It was not that much of a surprise when Puason struggled for the Ports last year. While his .215/.282/.291 batting line in 337 plate appearances was a disappointment, it could be written off due to his having missed an entire year of development. He was re-assigned to the Ports for the 2022 campaign with the hope that he would take that next step forward.

Instead, Puason has regressed. He has been even worse in Stockton this year, producing a .185/.243/.255 batting line in his 218 plate appearances, hitting two homers and eight doubles while striking out 77 times. It has gotten to the point where the A’s sent him to the Arizona Complex League, where he was 0-3 with a walk and three strikeouts in his first game at the lower level.

At some point, Puason is going to need to deliver on his potential. He is still well regarded for his instincts and strong arm defensively while he shows an ability to spray balls around the diamond in batting practice. But practices and showcases can only get a player so far. Right now, that lack of production has Puason back in Arizona.

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Robert Puason has a great deal of potential and has time to develop. But he still needs to show something soon for the Oakland A’s.