Seth Brown signs with D-Backs after being released by the Oakland A’s, seeking a fresh opportunity to regain his MLB form in Arizona this season. The 33-year-old outfielder and first baseman, once a reliable power hitter, joins a new team as the Diamondbacks explore potential left-handed options.
Brown’s Path Through the Majors
Seth Brown, who turns 33 this month, spent ten years within the Oakland A’s system after being selected as a 19th-round draft pick. Early in his major league career, Brown established himself as an effective platoon player, particularly against right-handed pitching. He posted consecutive 20-home run campaigns in 2021 and 2022, combining for a batting line of .234/.304/.483 in those two years. However, his offensive performance declined over the next two and a half seasons, although a strong second-half showing last year briefly delayed expectations of a potential non-tender.
Contract Challenges and Minor League Success
Despite being tendered a $2.7 million arbitration contract by Oakland, Brown struggled in his most recent Major League appearances, posting a .185/.303/.262 batting line across 76 plate appearances this year. After being outrighted from the 40-man roster, he quickly rebounded by homering seven times in just nine Triple-A games, earning a return to the majors. His momentum stalled after suffering a minor elbow injury shortly after being recalled.
Release from the A’s and New Opportunity in Arizona
When Brown was cleared from the injured list last week, the A’s chose not to reinstate him to their active roster. By that point, he had accrued more than five years of MLB service, allowing him to decline an outright assignment while keeping his salary. As a result, Oakland released him, making Brown a free agent for the first time in his career.
Fitting into the Diamondbacks’ Roster
Arizona enters this phase of the season equipped with left-handed first baseman/designated hitter options such as Josh Naylor and Pavin Smith, while their bench consists exclusively of right-handed bats. If Brown earns a spot on the major league roster, the Diamondbacks would only owe him the prorated portion of the $760,000 league minimum. Should he finish the year with the team, Brown will be eligible for arbitration again in the offseason, yet his recent track record suggests he could face another non-tender decision.
Brown’s move to Arizona represents a significant turning point. The club adds depth and flexibility as they address left-handed lineup balance concerns, and Brown is given one more chance to demonstrate power at the plate. The following weeks will determine if he can reclaim the productivity that once made him a valuable part of Oakland’s offense.