The Athletics have signed a right-handed pitcher to a minor league deal, according to his MLB.com profile. This contract likely includes an invitation to the team’s big league Spring Training camp. After spending the 2024 season with Boston’s Triple-A affiliate, he returned to minor league free agency at the end of the season.
Originally undrafted in 2017, he signed with the Angels as a free agent, making the A’s the fifth organization he’s been with during his seven years in professional baseball. His track record includes one major league season, in which he recorded a 5.40 ERA over 71 2/3 innings with the Brewers in 2022, filling roles as both a swingman and reliever in 18 appearances.
While his performance wasn’t remarkable, his ability to generate ground balls and serve in multiple pitching roles made him a candidate for Milwaukee’s roster going into Spring Training 2023. However, a shoulder injury sidelined him until a minor league rehab stint in June. After being removed from their 40-man roster the following month, he sought a new opportunity, eventually signing with the Red Sox last winter.
Across 328 1/3 career innings at Triple-A, he has a 5.04 ERA, 7.04% walk rate, and 18.85% strikeout rate. Known as a grounder specialist, he has consistently posted groundball rates above 55%, but his lower strikeout rates have capped his potential.
Nonetheless, the 31-year-old pitcher provides valuable depth with the ability to log innings in various roles. The A’s will evaluate him at Triple-A, and he could even earn a spot on the big league roster. If he does make the team, it will be a homecoming of sorts for Jason Alexander, who hails from Windsor, California, just a few hours from the Athletics’ temporary home in Sacramento.
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