Fansided

Former Oakland A’s farmhand Mark Payton getting his chance in Japan

By David Hill |
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 28: Mark Payton #34 of the Cincinnati Reds follows through on a swing against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training game at Goodyear Ballpark on February 28, 2020 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 28: Mark Payton #34 of the Cincinnati Reds follows through on a swing against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training game at Goodyear Ballpark on February 28, 2020 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Foreign teams are definitely going to have an Oakland A’s flair in 2023. Mark Payton is just the latest of that group.

According to the Seibu Lions official Twitter account, former A’s farmhand Mark Payton has signed for the 2023 season, giving him a chance to show that he can be more than just a filler piece at Triple-A.

Mark Payton getting chance to rebuild career

Despite solid numbers in the minors, Payton has not had much of a chance to prove himself at the major league level. He has just 69 plate appearances over parts of three seasons, with just one double amongst his ten hits. While Payton made contact, with just 16 strikeouts, his 20.0% hard hit rate and low exit velocities hindered how much of an impact he could make.

However, Payton also performed at a star level at Triple-A. He has an .885 OPS with 75 homers and 101 doubles in his 1853 plate appearances at the highest level of the minors. This includes his impressive season in the A’s system where he posted a 1.053 OPS with 30 homers and 30 doubles in Las Vegas. Nonetheless, that performance was not enough for Payton to get a look in Oakland.

Sometimes, it just takes a change of scenery to make a difference. Payton is hoping that is the case with the Lions as he looks to shed his Quad-A label. If he can put together an impressive showing in Nippon Professional Baseball, it is possible that he can get another chance to prove himself in the majors. He is just 31 years old and could still have a few productive years left. It is just a matter of getting that chance.

Next. Francisco Pena staying in CPBL. dark

Former Oakland A’s farmhand Mark Payton is heading to Japan after signing with the Seibu Lions. Maybe now he will get the chance he has been looking for.

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