Will Grant Green Make Oakland Athletics 25-Man Roster?

By Michael Terrill
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Grant Green is one of the top prospects in the Oakland Athletics farm system. Even though the Athletics have a deep roster this year, is it possible Green can win a spot on the 25-man roster?

The 25-year-old was selected 13th overall in the 2009 MLB Draft by Oakland and has spent three full seasons at three different levels in the minors without ever making an appearance in the big leagues. His main position is shortstop but he has seen significant time at second base, third base, center field and left field as well. The reason for this is because Green is willing to play any position as long as it means he finally gets a chance at the top level.

The right-handed batter has a career .302 batting average with 44 home runs and 227 RBI in 1,775 plate appearances. Last season in Triple-A, he posted a .296 batting average with 15 homers, 75 RBI, 28 doubles and six triples in 562 at-bats. Green has proven to be a very durable baseball player who is consistent at the plate and capable on defense.

The problem Green is facing is not raw talent or potential on his part but rather too much of it in the majors for the Athletics. There is literally no starting position for him as the infield is completely full and Oakland simply has players better suited to play outfield.

However, I believe with a strong performance in spring training Green can force his way onto the Opening Day roster as one of the reserve players. The fact that he has the ability to play multiple different positions makes him a strong candidate to make the team. Every single organization would love at least one player on their bench that can fill in at different spots along the diamond and in the outfield in case a starter ever goes down.

If Green does not make the roster when the team breaks for the regular season, expect to see him be the first player called up if an injury takes place. If anything else, he will for sure be called up in September so he can finally get a taste of the big leagues.

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