Oakland Ballers Sign Former Oakland star A’s Minor Leaguer

The Oakland Ballers have signed former Oakland A’s minor league pitcher T.J. Czyz, who was released by the Stockton Ports on July 27. Czyz was selected by the A’s in the 12th round of the 2022 MLB Draft and spent two seasons in their minor league system.

During his time with the A’s, Czyz posted a 5-0 record with a 5.44 ERA and a 1.78 WHIP across 92 2/3 innings, primarily working out of the bullpen. The 24-year-old right-hander hails from Truckee, California, a town near the Nevada border between Reno and South Lake Tahoe.

In 2022, the year he was drafted, Czyz made it up to High-A Lansing, where he pitched 5 1/3 innings with a 3.38 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and seven strikeouts. Last season, he split time between the Arizona Complex League and Stockton, holding an 8.03 ERA with the Ports in 24 2/3 innings. This year, he showed some improvement, posting a 5.44 ERA again with Stockton, but he struggled with his control, walking 42 batters in 41 1/3 innings while striking out just 35.

Now, Czyz joins the Oakland Ballers, a team in the Pioneer League. He made his debut for the Ballers on Wednesday night, getting the start and tossing three innings against one of the better teams in the league. Czyz allowed three hits, two earned runs, walked a pair, and struck out four batters.

Despite Czyz’s rough outing, the Ballers managed to shut down the Northern Colorado Owlz for the final six frames, allowing just three hits and three walks without further damage. Oakland pulled off a 3-2 victory, improving their overall record to 33-29, which ranks fourth in the PL. They also improved to 6-8 in the second half, tying them for seventh in the early going.

The top two teams in each half of the Pioneer League make it to the postseason, and adding a player with Czyz’s minor league experience could help the Ballers in their quest to reach the top of the standings. Despite his struggles, Czyz has shown flashes of potential, and a change of scenery with the Ballers may be just what he needs to take the next step in his professional career.