The Orioles added a left-handed-hitting outfielder to the big-league mix Wednesday, acquiring 25-year-old Jaycob Brugman from the Oakland A’s for cash considerations or a player to be named later.
Brugman, a former 17th-round pick by the A’s out of Brigham Young University in 2013, made his big league debut in June and hit .266 with a .346 on-base percentage and three homers in 143 at-bats for Oakland.
He’s a career .274 hitter in parts of five minor league seasons and has played at least 100 games in the minors at all three outfield positions. Of his 40 starts in the majors last year, 37 were in center field.
“(Brugman) is a .275 lifetime, left-handed hitter that can play left field and right field and occasionally fill in at center field,” executive vice president Dan Duquette wrote in a text. “He is a good contact hitter with above-average, on-base capability.”
Brugman was taken off Oakland’s 40-man roster and was designated for assignment Monday. The Orioles had seven spots open on their 40-man, so decided to add the outfielder to a group that includes Adam Jones, Trey Mancini, Joey Rickard, Anthony Santander and Austin Hays. All hit from the right side except Santander, a switch-hitter.
Acquiring a left-handed-hitting outfielder who can play multiple positions is on the Orioles’ wish list this offseason. And though Brugman fills that hole, the club will likely continue to look for upgrades as well. Brugman has minor-league options remaining, so he can be sent to Triple-A Norfolk if he doesn’t make the club out of spring training.
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Looks like a typical Duquette pickup. A utility guy with flexibility and options. Left handed bat is a plus. Can he pitch?
We may find out.
Happy Thanksgiving Dan and all! Here’s to another season of hope and gratefulness.
Duquette must have a plan only he can appreciate. All by himself he makes the off-season unenjoyable.
If we need a lefty bat perhaps he could just trade one of our right handed bats instead od ADDING TO A CROWDED OUTFIELD STAFF.
Well, maybe he figures that with our pitching the outfielders we have will get worn out early.
I know nothing about this guy, really. But there were seven spots on the 40-man roster. You never know. No risk at this point in the offseason.
Hi! New poster, first post
I feel like this guy is just a possible bench player, and nothing more. There was room on the roster and the O's wanted to take a look. There's probably less than a 50/50 chance he's on the roster opening day, and the only reason it's that high is because he's a lefty.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Zoey. Welcome aboard. And I agree with everything you wrote. And I'm not just sucking up to the new guy.
Move Manny to SS,sign Chase Headly(better than average 3rd baseman)to play 3rd. BINGO there's your lefty bat.
I'm underwhelmed by Headley. But that would be an option.