The Athletics Secure Seth Brown for Another Season

The Oakland Athletics have solidified their roster for the 2025 season by agreeing to a one-year contract with first baseman and outfielder Seth Brown, thus avoiding arbitration. While the financial terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed, this move signifies a crucial step in maintaining team depth and versatility.

Brown, 32, seemed to be on the verge of departure from the A's plans midseason when he was placed on waivers unclaimed. Rather than forfeiting the remainder of his $2.6 million salary, Brown accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A. There, he reignited his career with an impressive performance, earning a swift return to the majors.

At the time of his removal from the 40-man roster, Brown’s performance was underwhelming, with a .189/.251/.306 slash line over 195 plate appearances. However, his resurgence in Triple-A was nothing short of spectacular, posting a .403/.416/.736 slash and seven home runs in just 77 plate appearances. This turnaround led to his reinstatement on the big league roster within a month, where he improved to a .271/.312/.448 line over 205 plate appearances, matching his earlier struggles almost exactly.

Brown’s late-season performance has evidently secured his place in the team’s plans for another year. The left-handed slugger is expected to split his playing time between first base and the outfield corners, while Brent Rooker is likely to take most of the designated hitter appearances. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz had projected a $3.8 million salary for Brown in free agency. However, pre-tender deals like Brown's often come with salaries below such projections, as teams leverage the non-tender deadline to secure more favorable terms.

Despite back-to-back challenging seasons at the plate, Brown’s potential remains evident. He hit 45 home runs over 261 games with the A’s from 2021-2022 and has maintained a .225/.289/.426 batting line (102 wRC+) over 1,640 plate appearances since the 2021 season. This new contract offers Brown a chance to regain his form and deliver the powerful performances that made him a key player in the past.

​As the Athletics look forward to the 2025 season, retaining Seth Brown adds a layer of experience and potential to their lineup, highlighting their strategic approach to building a competitive team.