Athletics Sign Joey Meneses to Minor League Contract
The Athletics have officially signed first baseman Joey Meneses to a minor league contract, as reported by Francys Romero. This agreement includes an invitation to MLB spring training, according to Martín Gallegos from MLB.com.
Joey Meneses’ Recent Performance
Last season, Meneses played in Triple-A with the New York Mets organization. He finished the season with a batting average of .265 and recorded 11 home runs. Despite putting the ball in play, he struggled with walks and produced average batted ball metrics.
Challenging Path to the Majors
Meneses faces a challenging journey to secure a position on the Athletics’ major league roster. With Nick Kurtz and Brent Rooker already occupying the first base and designated hitter roles, respectively, competition will be stiff.
Minor League Experience and Stats
- Age: 33
- Expected Team: Triple-A Las Vegas
- Career Triple-A Batting Average: .282
- Triple-A On-Base Percentage: .338
- Triple-A Slugging Percentage: .480
Meneses has extensive experience in Triple-A, playing five seasons at this level. He previously appeared in Major League Baseball with the Washington Nationals between 2022 and 2024. His first taste of the big leagues was impressive, as he hit .324 with 13 home runs in just 56 games during his rookie season at 30 years old.
Challenges During Major League Tenure
Unfortunately, his subsequent years did not mirror that success. In nearly 1,000 plate appearances during 2023-24, Meneses posted a .261 batting average with a .311 on-base percentage and a .370 slugging percentage. The Nationals ultimately dropped him from their roster at the start of the last offseason.
As he transitions to the Athletics, Meneses hopes to recapture his earlier form and make an impact in the minor leagues. His journey continues as he prepares for another opportunity to showcase his skills.