The Oakland Athletics have outrighted outfielder and first baseman Seth Brown to Triple-A following a difficult beginning to the 2024 season. This roster move was made to free up both 26-man and 40-man roster spots after the team recalled several promising prospects. The decision reflects the Athletics’ hope to give other players opportunities while Brown works to regain his form in the minor leagues.
Background on Seth Brown’s Career and Recent Performance
Seth Brown, 32, was once regarded as a power-hitting prospect with potential to be a consistent major league contributor. He debuted in 2019, appearing in 26 games and showing no signs of being overwhelmed by major league pitching. However, the COVID-19 pandemic limited his development, restricting him to just seven games in the 2020 season. When play resumed normally in 2021, Brown earned a more extended opportunity, participating in 111 games and hitting 20 home runs while also filling in across corner outfield and first base positions.
In 2022, with the departure of All-Star first baseman Matt Olson to the Atlanta Braves, Brown was given a chance to occupy first base full time. Over 150 games, he posted a slash line of .230/.305/.444 with 25 home runs. While this marked only a modest improvement from previous years, it offered the Athletics some hope that Brown could serve as at least a power-hitting replacement for Olson.
Decline in Production and Previous Roster Moves
Unfortunately, Brown regressed in 2023, struggling across most offensive categories and receiving shielding from left-handed pitching as a result. By midseason, his declining performance led to the Athletics outrightning him to Triple-A, ending a three-and-a-half year run as a regular on their active roster. Brown went unclaimed on waivers and fought his way back to Oakland, concluding the year with an improved post-All-Star Break slash line of .263/.304/.413 and seven home runs—closer to what the team expected from him.
Believing Brown could rebound, the Athletics tendered him a $2.7 million contract in the 2024 offseason. This move was a vote of confidence but also reflected a willingness to see if Brown’s production could return to more acceptable levels in their lineup.
Recent Struggles and Rationale for Outrighting to Triple-A
Brown’s 2024 season has so far mirrored his disappointing late-2023 performance. Limited playing time and a batting average hovering around .212 with only one home run signal that he remains far from the form Oakland hoped to see. At 32 years old, Brown is now the oldest position player on the Athletics’ roster, and the team appears ready to explore younger options.
Designating Brown for assignment opened the door for any team to claim him, which would have meant absorbing the remainder of his contract. Given his recent decline and subpar numbers, no team made a claim. Consequently, he was outrighted to Triple-A where he will aim to regain his hitting stroke. This approach also allows the Athletics to maintain control of his salary while evaluating emerging outfield candidates like Denzel Clarke, who was recently promoted to the major league roster.
Potential for Return and Impact on Athletics’ Roster Strategy
The Athletics have demonstrated patience with Brown before, recalling him from Triple-A last season after less than a month in the minors. This pattern suggests Brown’s move to Triple-A this year may be temporary rather than permanent. If he can rediscover his power and improve at the plate, he could return to the club to provide veteran presence and additional lineup depth.
Furthermore, with the Athletics emphasizing the development of younger players, Brown’s demotion highlights a strategic shift toward building for the future. His case illustrates the challenges players face in maintaining consistency at the major league level, especially while competing with up-and-coming prospects.
While the outright may appear to be a setback, it underscores both the team‘s resilience and Brown’s chance to refocus and fight for a return. The Athletics and their coaching staff, who value Brown’s flexibility and experience, may offer another opportunity if his performance in Triple-A warrants it later in the 2024 campaign.