Ben Bowden Could Make an Athletics Impact at the Big-League Level
A’s Add Bullpen Depth
The A’s are working early this offseason to strengthen their bullpen, with additions intended for either the major-league team or Triple-A. The club recently signed left-hander Luke Little to a minor league deal, and new general manager Cam Castro has now brought Bowden back.
Bowden signed a minor league contract and will spend a third year in the A’s organization. The team has not yet made a major-league signing this offseason. The article says non-40-man roster players may be able to play during the impending lockout, potentially allowing Bowden and Little to begin their seasons sooner than other big leaguers.
Strong Triple-A Start
Bowden joined the Las Vegas Aviators, the A’s Triple-A affiliate, in 2025 and recorded a 1.36 ERA across 39.2 innings. The article notes that pitching can be difficult at Las Vegas Ballpark and that Aviators’ ERAs tend to be inflated.
His results drew attention ahead of 2026. Bowden spent almost all of that season in Triple-A, posting a 4.56 ERA in 51.1 innings and serving as a regular, relatively reliable bullpen option in a league where ERA figures can run high.
Limited Major-League Chance
Bowden appeared in one major-league inning in 2026, walking two and allowing four earned runs. He has pitched 11.2 innings in the majors with the A’s, and the organization’s decision to bring him back suggests it still sees potential.
Making the roster this season may be a challenge, but the article says he could have a chance to contribute at some point. It also raises the possibility that the A’s could adjust his pitch mix and consider him for a middle-relief role during the 2027 season.
Bowden’s Pitch Mix
Bowden relies on his fastball for 70% of his pitches. His other offerings are a changeup at 22.5%, a slider at 5% and a curveball at 2.5%. The A’s could experiment with that mix as they assess whether he can fill a middle-relief role. Any opportunity would depend on the team calling on him during the 2027 season.
Key points
- The A’s re-signed Ben Bowden to a minor league contract.
- Bowden had a 1.36 ERA in 39.2 Triple-A innings in 2025.
- He recorded a 4.56 ERA over 51.1 Triple-A innings in 2026.
- Bowden has pitched 11.2 major-league innings with the A’s.