What's Happening?
The Oakland Athletics have selected the contract of Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang from Double-A Midland, adding him to their 40-man roster. Zhuang, a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher, completed the 2025 season with a 4.08 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP, alongside a 145:35
strikeout-to-walk ratio over 145.2 innings. This move makes Zhuang ineligible for the Rule 5 Draft, which prevents other teams from selecting him. Despite his promotion, Zhuang's performance in Double-A has been described as unimpressive, casting doubt on his potential to reach the major leagues in 2026. The Athletics may consider advancing him to Triple-A next year, but his future in the big leagues remains uncertain.
Why It's Important?
Zhuang's addition to the Athletics' 40-man roster is significant as it secures his position within the organization and protects him from being drafted by other teams. This decision reflects the team's investment in his development despite his current performance metrics. For the Athletics, retaining promising players like Zhuang is crucial for building a competitive roster and ensuring depth in pitching talent. The move also highlights the strategic decisions teams must make regarding player development and roster management, balancing potential against current performance. Zhuang's future progression will be closely watched as the Athletics assess his readiness for higher levels of play.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, Zhuang may be promoted to Triple-A, where he will have the opportunity to refine his skills and improve his performance. The Athletics will likely monitor his progress closely to determine his readiness for the major leagues. If Zhuang can enhance his pitching stats and demonstrate consistency, he could become a valuable asset for the team. Additionally, the Athletics' management will continue to evaluate their roster needs and make adjustments as necessary, potentially impacting Zhuang's role and opportunities within the organization.
