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Vince Fernandez deserves chance with Oakland A’s

By David Hill |
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: An Oakland Athletics hat sits near the dugout during the game against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum on September 25, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: An Oakland Athletics hat sits near the dugout during the game against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum on September 25, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

At this point, any player in the upper minors that has displayed a degree of competence should be getting a chance from the Oakland A’s. Vince Fernandez needs to be atop that list.

It would be easy to overlook Fernandez. He was selected by the A’s in the Triple-A portion of the Rule V Draft, the second consecutive year that he was taken in the draft. However, after a disappointing 2021 season where he showed his power potential, but also struck out 98 times in 293 plate appearances, the Giants were ready to let him go.

Vince Fernandez may be ready for Oakland A’s roster spot

While those strikeout issues remain, Fernandez has also impressed in his first chance at Triple-A. The 26 year old outfielder has posted an impressive .287/.390/.575 batting line in Las Vegas, hitting 11 homers and 11 doubles in his 213 plate appearances. Yes, he has struck out 75 times, but he has done plenty of damage when he has made contact.

There were questions about his production following the 2019 season. He had been suspended for 50 games after a failed amphetamine test in June and had just two homers following that time off. However, he was still viewed as a player with plenty of raw power who could draw a walk and hit plenty of fly balls, albeit with plenty of strikeouts.

The A’s certainly need power in their lineup. Seth Brown and Sean Murphy can only do so much on their own. And the A’s do need outfielders. As trades happen, it would make sense to give Fernandez a look for the rest of the year.

It is fair to question what type of player he will be in the majors. At best, the A’s may have a bargain rate Joey Gallo, albeit without as many homers. Considering the lack of talent in the upper minors at this point, Fernandez’s potential ability to change a game with one swing of the bat is something that the A’s need to get into their lineup as soon as possible.

Next. Soderstrom's quest for consistency. dark

Vince Fernandez has put together an impressive 2022 season in Triple-A. It is time to see what he can do with the Oakland A’s.

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