Vimael Machin

Acquired in the 2019 Rule 5 Draft, Machin made his MLB debut with the Athletics in 2020 as a 26-year-old. He fit the classic Oakland mold, defensively capable of playing across the entire infield. As a prospect, Machin showed the ability to make consistent contact but paired that with a lack of power. That profile translated to the major-league level, as Machin posted a 14.1 K% and 11.3 BB% across 71 plate appearances in 2020. His power was nonexistent however, as he recorded a .238 slugging percentage and .032 ISO without registering a single barreled ball. Machin also doesn't possess speed on the base paths, having never posted double-digit steals in a season and posting a 26th percentile sprint speed in 2020. Machin should have the chance to compete for playing time this season assuming the absence of Marcus Semien. However, his most likely role will be a Quad-A utility player.

The Phillies made Machin the 15th pick of the Rule 5 draft, taking him from the Cubs then promptly selling him to the Athletics. Machin spent most the 2019 campaign with Double-A Tennessee before a short stint with Triple-A Iowa to end the season. Oakland is drawn to his ability to play all four infield spots as well as the plate patience that used to characterize the organization, walking 69 times to just 62 strikeouts combined last season. Machin doesn't dazzle in power or speed, but if he can translate his plate skills to the majors, his defensive versatility increases his chances of staying on the Oakland roster and not be offered back to the Cubs. If he has an impressive spring, the 26-year-old left-handed swinger could even be in the mix for regular playing time at second base. If it's clear Machin will spend time at the keystone, he's an end-game candidate in AL-only formats.