Pinder may serve in a platoon with Eric Thames at first base to open the season in the wake of Monday's trade of Matt Olson to Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Pinder agreed to a one-year, $2.7 million deal with Oakland back in late November to avoid arbitration, and he could end up proving to be quite a bargain at that salary. Pinder's defensive versatility has helped keep him in the majors for parts of the last six seasons, and although first base is the one position outside of catcher that he has the least experience playing (three career games), the 29-year-old will likely get plenty of opportunity to get acclimated this spring. Meanwhile, Thames last played in the majors in 2020 and is in camp on a minor-league deal; however, his career success against right-handed pitching seemingly make a good potential platoon partner for Pinder, who's been more proficient versus southpaws over the course of his career.