Versatility and Progress key to next season too
Maxwell “Max” Schuemann was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2018 and worked his way through the A’s minor league system. Like all players not on an MLB roster, he was forced to sit out the 2020 season due covid cancelling the entire minor league season.
How was he acquired?
Max went undrafted after his high school career and entered Eastern Michigan University to compete at the college level. After his junior season, when he batted .317 with four homers, 30 RBI’s and twenty-four stolen bases, he was drafted in the 20th round of the 2018 MLB amateur draft.
What were the Expectations?
Schuemann, a non-roster invitee, did not break camp with the team in 2024, instead he was assigned to the Las Vegas Aviators. But his contract was purchased from Las Vegas on April 11 and he made his major league debut the following day as a pinch hitter. Despite logging most of his innings as an outfielder in Vegas, he seemed to be an infield utility player for the A’s.
2024 Results
Schuemann started off slowly after his call-up to the big leagues in April. Unfortunately, he hovered at or below the Mendoza line into May and threatened it a few times during the remainder of the season. Which is not to say that he did not play an important role and come up clutch in some key situations throughout the season.
Law called game pic.twitter.com/BTzLPOVNzH
— Athletics (@Athletics) April 13, 2024
Max finished the season with a rookie season tally of .220, with seven homers, thirty-four RBI’s and fourteen stolen bases. He scored fifty-five runs. He was awarded MLB’s play of the week on May 12, 2024, and ended his season with the MLBPAA Heart and Hustle Award for the A’s.
2025 Outlook
Schuemann will likely enter the 2025 season not knowing his precise role. Third base, where he made twenty-two starts and played a total of twenty-seven games, appears to be an open competition. Barring injury at second base Max will likely get spot starts behind Zack Gelof. The same is probably true with Jacob Wilson at shortstop. His versatility will likely keep him in the lineup far more than out of it; and increasing his contact and bringing a bit more pop in his bat will guarantee it.
