Athletics Add Veteran Joey Meneses on Minor League Deal With Spring Training Invite

The Oakland Athletics are continuing to build their 2026 roster with a mix of veteran experience and young talent. On Saturday, MLB.com’s Martín Gallegos reported that the A’s reached a deal with Joey Meneses, a 33-year-old first baseman and outfielder who previously played for the Washington Nationals. The agreement is a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, offering Meneses a chance to compete for a major league spot.

Meneses has carved out a career marked by perseverance and steady production. Over three seasons with the Nationals from 2022–2024, he hit .274 with 29 home runs, 61 doubles, and 165 RBIs. After spending last season in the New York Mets’ system and a productive winter in Mexico, he arrives in Oakland ready to prove he still belongs at the major league level.

The signing represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for the A’s, who have emphasized finding undervalued veterans to complement their young core. Meneses’ track record, power potential, and positional versatility—able to play both first base and outfield—fit that model perfectly.

With the 2026 season approaching, Meneses will compete for playing time alongside the Athletics’ mix of promising prospects and established bats, bringing experience, depth, and a potential boost to the lineup.

1. Meneses’ Career Journey

Meneses’ path to the majors has been a long one. He spent more than a decade in the Minor Leagues before breaking out in 2022 with the Nationals. That rookie season was remarkable, as he hit .324 with 13 home runs in just 56 games, quickly becoming a fan favorite in Washington. The momentum continued in 2023, with Meneses posting a .275 batting average, 13 homers, and 89 RBIs over a full 154-game season. He demonstrated the ability to handle major league pitching consistently while showing versatility at multiple positions. However, 2024 presented challenges. His production dipped to a .231 average with just three home runs, leading to time in the Minors. Despite the setback, Meneses continued to refine his approach, playing in the Mets’ system and spending the winter in Mexico to stay sharp. This combination of resilience, experience, and proven flashes of power makes Meneses a compelling addition for a team like Oakland, which values high-upside veterans capable of contributing immediately.

2. Fit With the Athletics

For the Athletics, Meneses provides a low-risk way to bolster both depth and experience. Oakland has several players vying for first base and designated hitter roles, including power bat Brent Rooker and young prospect Nick Kurtz. Meneses adds another option, capable of filling in wherever needed. His versatility also allows the A’s to adjust lineups strategically throughout the season. Whether as a pinch hitter, platoon option, or regular contributor, Meneses brings the kind of flexibility the team seeks while giving younger players time to develop. Spring Training will be the proving ground, as Meneses competes against both veterans and prospects to secure a roster spot. The Athletics have a history of rewarding players who demonstrate consistent production and adaptability in camp. If he can recapture the form that made him a standout in Washington, Meneses could play a meaningful role for Oakland in 2026, providing both offensive firepower and leadership for a club blending youth and experience.

3. Spring Training as a Make-or-Break Opportunity

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For Meneses, Spring Training will be more than just a preseason warm-up—it’s a pivotal chance to reestablish himself as a major league contributor. The Minor League contract with a Spring Training invite is structured precisely to let him showcase his readiness, both at the plate and in the field. How he performs in the early weeks could determine whether he earns a spot on the Opening Day roster or begins the season in the Minors. Consistency against major league pitching, situational hitting, and defensive versatility will all be scrutinized by the Athletics’ coaching staff. Meneses will also have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and mentorship to younger teammates, something he has gained through years of navigating the long road to the majors. That intangible element could tip the scales in a tight competition for playing time. Ultimately, Spring Training serves as a litmus test for Meneses’ ability to translate his winter league and Minor League performances into sustained success at the highest level, making the early season preparation critical for both him and the A’s.