Jake Smolinski agrees to $775,000, 1-year contract with A's

Posted November 29, 2017 6:00 am

The Associated Press

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Outfielder Jake Smolinski agreed to a $775,000, one-year contract with the Oakland Athletics.

Smolinski missed almost the entire season following right shoulder surgery before returning to play in 16 games, including 11 in the outfield - nine of those in center - that manager Bob Melvin considered a major step heading into the offseason and toward 2018. He will have competition to earn a starting spot next season, with rehabbing Dustin Fowler in the mix to start at center after he was acquired in the trade that sent Sonny Gray to the Yankees. Boog Powell also impressed Melvin and the front office.

The A's are looking for corner outfielders.

Smolinski batted .259 in his short 2017 stint, his fourth partial major league season. His 2018 deal does not have a lower salary while in the minor leagues.

___

More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

Article Comments

Article Categories
Baseball Content Providers MLB Pro Sports Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.