Jake Smolinksi claimed by Oakland Athletics
Texas Rangers PR man John Blake announced on Twitter that outfielder Jake Smolinski has been claimed by the Oakland Athletics. Smolinski had been placed on waivers by Texas on Friday.
Smolinski failed to show the same promise this year that he did in 2014, struggling to a .133 average with just one home run and six RBIs. The 26-year-old made a far better impression last year, hitting .349 with three homers and five doubles in just 86 at-bats.
The Athletics will hope that Smolinski’s improved walk rate in 2015 is cause for optimism. Despite having a lower on-base percentage than slugging percentage and a sub-.200 batting average, the outfielder still managed to draw 11 walks in just 74 plate appearances, a significant improvement from his three walks in 94 plate appearances in 2014. He also hit .422 in 12 games with AAA Round Rock this year.
With Ben Zobrist, Billy Butler and others potentially finding new homes via trade in the coming month, Smolinski will also serve as depth to step in if roster holes are created come Trade Deadline time.
Smolinski is still under team control through 2021 and won’t be arbitration eligible until 2018. If the A’s can find whatever made the former second-round pick tick and have the success he had in 2014, he could prove to be a great bargain bin find.