Tremendous power will always entice teams in Major League Baseball. That power has made the Los Angeles Dodgers the latest team to take a look at outfielder Peter O’Brien.
One could forgive Peter O’Brien if he was unsure of where he was on any given day. He started 2017 as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, before being traded to the Kansas City Royals. The Royals placed O’Brien on waivers in May, where he was claimed by the Cincinnati Reds. Not even two weeks later, the Reds placed O’Brien on waivers once again, and he was claimed by the Texas Rangers.
This time, O’Brien stayed in one place for a little longer, albeit by a week. He was once again placed on waivers by the Rangers, and this time, was claimed by the Los Angeles Dodgers. To make room for O’Brien, the Dodgers designated Jason Wheeler for assignment. Wheeler had only been with the team for just over two weeks himself.
Dodgers claim OF Peter O’Brien from the Texas Rangers and DFA LHP Jason Wheeler. O’Brien will be assigned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) June 18, 2017
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It is no secret as to why O’Brien continues to be a desired commodity. His power potential is legendary, with his tremendous home runs flying through the night around the minors. In his 2337 minor league plate appearances, O’Brien has slugged 122 homers while posting a .260/.312/.512 batting line. However, he has also struck out 640 times, taking his prodigious hacks, but missing a great deal as well.
That power has translated to the majors, but his swing and miss tendencies have been exacerbated as well. He has hit six homers in just 79 plate appearances, but has posted a meager .141/.179/.391 batting line. O’Brien has also struck out 32 times in those plate appearances, putting him in Chris Carter territory.
However, that power is a skill that cannot be taught. If he can cut down on his strikeouts to the point where he does not resemble a turnstile or a windmill, O’Brien could be a dangerous hitter. Of course, that has been the hope of every team that has given the minor league slugger a look thus far.
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Until that happens, Peter O’Brien will continue to tantalize with his power and potential. Right now, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the latest team to give him a chance in their minor league system.