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Brent Honeywell showing flashes of former promise once again

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 26: Brent Honeywell Jr. #45 of the Oakland Athletics on the field before the game against the Texas Rangers at RingCentral Coliseum on May 26, 2022 in Oakland, California. The Rangers defeated the Athletics 4-1. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 26: Brent Honeywell Jr. #45 of the Oakland Athletics on the field before the game against the Texas Rangers at RingCentral Coliseum on May 26, 2022 in Oakland, California. The Rangers defeated the Athletics 4-1. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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Brent Honeywell was supposed to be well on his way to stardom at this point. A former top prospect with a devastating screwball, it seemed to be a matter of time before he established himself as a top of the rotation starter at the major league level.

Unfortunately, that has not come to pass. Injuries have ruined Honeywell’s career, leaving him in the minors as he has just three major league appearances on his resume. He lost his spot on the A’s 40 man roster last season, and despite remaining in the organization, is facing an uphill battle as he looks to stick in the majors.

Brent Honeywell dominating in Dominican Winter League

But there are signs that Honeywell could still be a viable major league option when he is healthy. His final four outings in Las Vegas were solid as he allowed just three runs on nine hits and three walks over seven innings, striking out 11 batters. He may have allowed more baserunners than one would have wanted, but considering the offensive environment of the Pacific Coast League, it was a strong finish to the season.

That solid performance carried over to the Dominican Winter League. Honeywell emerged as one of the best pitchers for the Leones del Escogido, posting a 0.96 ERA and a 0.643 WHiP over his 28 innings. Although he only struck out 17 batters, Honeywell also issued just six walks as he showed much better command than he displayed during his minor league season.

The A’s do have some openings on their pitching staff. The bullpen is still somewhat unsettled and there are question marks throughout the rotation. If Honeywell can stay healthy and carry his success through spring training, he could make his first Opening Day roster. But that is a big if at this point.

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Brent Honeywell is showing flashes of the form that once made him a top prospect. If he can stay healthy, he might finally get his chance.