Wandisson Charles staying in Oakland A’s system

Wandisson Charles has been an intriguing piece for the Oakland A’s for years. His powerful arm has made him someone that could be a piece of the A’s future bullpen plans, but his inability to harness his arsenal has held him back. It was not too much of a surprise that the A’s designated him for assignment recently as they needed the spot on their 40 man roster to acquire David MacKinnon.

The hope was that Charles would pass through waivers. However, teams may have been willing to take a chance on his fastball and potential, stashing him on the 40 man roster while working on his command.

Oakland A’s keeping Wandisson Charles

Those hopes came to pass. Charles was able to clear waivers and was outrighted to the Double-A Midland RockHounds, where he had spent the 2022 campaign. It is, however, a temporary reprieve as he will need to be added back to the 40 man roster before the offseason begins as he could select minor league free agency otherwise.

Charles would need to have a drastic turnaround for that to happen. He has struggled this season, posting a 9.53 ERA and a 2.324 WHiP over his 34 innings, striking out 33 batters, but also issuing 33 walks. Rust was expected at the beginning of the season as he missed the entire 2021 campaign due to an undisclosed injury, but that can only explain so much.

And yet, the intrigue is there. His fastball sits in the upper 90s and he has the potential for a solid slider. It is a matter of whether or not he can harness his arsenal, something that, to this point, has not occurred.

Maybe that will never happen. Charles could be someone who continues to intrigue with his fastball but never commands his stuff enough to make an impact at the major league level – if he even gets there. But for now, his journey will continue with the A’s organization.

Wandisson Charles is staying with the Oakland A’s organization for now. That stay could be short lived depending on the next few weeks.