OAKLAND, Calif., January 11, 2024 — The Oakland Athletics have reached one-year contract agreements with two of their arbitration-eligible players, right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn and outfielder Seth Brown, for the 2024 season. This marks a significant step for the A’s, as they have now secured deals with all players eligible for arbitration on their 40-man roster.
Paul Blackburn, who has spent seven seasons with the Athletics, looks to build upon his 2023 performance, which saw him achieve a 4-7 record with a 4.43 ERA and a career-high 104 strikeouts over 21 games, including 20 starts. Despite starting the season on the injured list due to a right middle fingernail avulsion, Blackburn made a strong return in late May. Over the past two seasons, Blackburn has compiled an 11-13 record with a 4.35 ERA, showing a marked improvement from his initial five-season stint with the team.
Seth Brown faced challenges during the 2023 season, with his performance hindered by a stint on the injured list due to a strained left oblique. Yet, he managed to compile a .222 batting average with 14 home runs and 52 RBI in 91 games. His versatility was on display as he started in four different positions, predominantly against right-handed pitchers, where he hit all 14 of his homers. Over his five-season tenure with the Athletics, Brown has a batting average of .227 with 59 home runs and 186 RBI across 406 Major League games.
The agreements with Blackburn and Brown demonstrate the Athletics’ commitment to solidifying their roster with reliable and versatile players as they aim to make a competitive run in the 2024 season. With all arbitration-eligible players now under contract, the team can focus on spring training and the development of their squad for the challenges ahead in the Major League.
