yardbarker
A pair of pitchers who saw time with the Athletics in 2026 were among the minor league free agents who agreed to terms before the weekend. Left-hander Ben Bowden is returning to Oakland on a minor league contract, while right-hander Geoff Hartlieb is headed to the Phillies, highlighting a busy stretch of minor league signings that began on November 13.
Bowden, a former second-round pick of the Rockies, made just one major league appearance for the Athletics in 2026. That outing came on August 2 against the Detroit Tigers, when he walked two, gave up two hits, and was charged with four runs. Despite the rough big-league cameo, he was effective at Triple-A Las Vegas, where he struck out 65 batters over 51.1 innings.
Hartlieb, who spent most of 2026 alongside Bowden in Las Vegas, was one of several players signed by Philadelphia. He appeared in 18 games for the Athletics at the major league level, recording 22 strikeouts across 28 innings. Oakland frequently deployed Hartlieb in outings that lasted two to three innings.
Also joining the Phillies is former White Sox infielder Bryan Ramos. Ramos posted a .216/.326/.320 slash line with six home runs and 20 extra-base hits for Triple-A Norfolk last season. He last played in the majors in 2025.
Other players who signed minor league deals on November 13 include Angel Hernandez (Padres), Raimundo De Los Santos (Padres), Esmerlin Vinicio (Giants), John Armstrong (Rangers), and Luis Palacios (Marlins).
Key Analysis
The re-signing of Bowden gives the Athletics a left-handed bullpen option with recent Triple-A success, though his brief major league showing in 2026 left room for improvement. Hartlieb's move to Philadelphia offers the Phillies a versatile arm capable of multi-inning relief, a role he filled for Oakland last season. The addition of Ramos provides infield depth for Philadelphia, with the 25-year-old looking to rebound after a modest offensive campaign at Triple-A.
Originally reported by yardbarker.