Outfielder Esteury Ruiz was optioned to the Triple-A Aviators this week despite his hot start with the Oakland Athletics.
Aviators
Max Muncy, the Oakland Athletics’ 2021 first-round draft pick, will make his Triple-A debut when the Las Vegas Aviators open the 2024 season.
Despite not knowing where they’ll play while their Las Vegas ballpark is being built, Athletics players and coaches insist their focus is on winning games.
Although not common in MLB, Oakland A’s general manager David Forst said having a club’s Triple-A and major league teams in the same market makes a lot of sense.
“When the Knights came here, they were born here. They’re like a little baby,” Jeff Evtushek said. “These other teams who come here, it’s like adopting a 50-year-old man.”
Rob Manfred also said the Oakland Athletics would field a competitive team if the franchise were to relocate to Las Vegas.
Aviators president Don Logan said the natural grass field at Las Vegas Ballpark couldn’t take the beating of more than 150 games a season if the Athletics also played there.
One of the most frequently asked questions is about the fate of the Aviators — the A’s Triple-A affiliate. A’s President Dave Kaval noted the two teams would coexist in the valley.
Mason Miller’s meteoric rise to the majors was completed after a brief but impressive showing with the Aviators. Miller made his MLB debut Wednesday against the Cubs.
Aviators fans discussed the possible relocation of the Oakland A’s to Las Vegas at the Triple-A team’s home opener Tuesday.
If the Oakland Athletics end up relocating to Las Vegas, the plan, a source said, is for them to share a stadium temporarily with the Aviators.
Aviators miss out on Triple-A Championship at Las Vegas Ballpark but top PCL in attendance again.
The Oakland Athletics promoted Aviators catcher Shea Langeliers, their top-ranked minor league prospect. He hit .286 with 19 home runs and 56 RBIs for the Aviators.
It’s not just a coincidence that three days before a crucial vote in Oakland news broke that MLB would not charge the A’s a relocation fee if they moved to Las Vegas.
Many baseball insiders believe the Oakland A’s current struggles are only temporary based on the build, contend and tear down cycle the franchise is known for.