How much longer does Robert Puason have with Oakland A’s?
Jasson Dominguez and Robert Puason will forever be linked together. They were the only two players to top $5 million for a signing bonus during the 2019-20 international signing period as both players were expected to be future stars.
Dominguez has lived up to expectations thus far, having already reached Double-A and looks as though he could be an option for the Yankees outfield in 2024. Puason? Well, the Oakland A’s may want that money back.
Robert Puason needs to show Oakland A’s something soon
It was easy to take Puason’s disastrous 2021 campaign with a grain of salt. Due to the pandemic, it had been some time since he had swung a bat in a competitive setting. The A’s were also being aggressive in slotting the 18 year old in full season ball to begin his professional career. His .574 OPS with three homers and 12 doubles, with 139 strikeouts, in 337 plate appearances could not be considered a surprise.
Likewise, it was not a surprise that Puason started the 2022 campaign back in Stockton. However, he was even worse in his second time through the league, posting a .498 OPS with two homers and eight doubles in 218 plate appearances, striking out 77 times. He was eventually sent back to the Arizona Complex League where he still disappointed, his .681 OPS only looking good compared to his results with the Ports.
This leaves the A’s in a difficult spot. Puason will be 20 years old next season, so it is far too early to proclaim that he is a bust. At the same time, he needs to start showing something soon, especially as he has struggled in every facet of the game.
It is especially galling when one looks at Dominguez. He looks as though he will be a building block for the Yankees, a key piece of their lineup for years to come. Right now, Puason does not look as though he will be able to get out of A-ball. If that is the case, it will be another spectacular failure for the A’s development team.
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Robert Puason and Jasson Dominguez will be linked together throughout their careers. The Oakland A’s have to hope that Puason shows something soon.