BREAKING: Rockies Veteran Left Hander Joins AL Contenders

The Athletics continue to bolster their pitching staff this winter. While Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs have been their headline additions, they’ve quietly built depth, most recently signing lefty reliever Ben Bowden, formerly with the Atlanta Braves system.

Bowden, 30, was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Vanderbilt. Since then, he has bounced around, playing for the Rockies, Rays, Giants, Phillies, and Braves. Despite being pursued by teams known for strong pitching development like Tampa Bay and Atlanta, he has struggled with consistency. His FIP has remained at 4.42 or higher since 2022, with an ERA ranging from 2.45 to 8.22.

Last season with Atlanta’s Triple-A affiliate, Bowden posted a 4.03 ERA and a 4.91 FIP over 29 innings, striking out 27.1% of batters but walking 13.2%. His ability to rack up strikeouts has kept teams interested, but persistent control issues have prevented long-term success.

Bowden made his MLB debut with the Rockies in 2021, recording a 6.56 ERA over 35 2/3 innings. His ground ball rate was notably low at 24.1% that season, inconsistent with the A’s typical preference for ground-ball pitchers. His fastball averaged 91-94 mph in 2024, paired with an improving slider and an occasional changeup.

With only one other lefty reliever, T.J. McFarland, in the bullpen, Bowden could have a shot at making the A’s roster in 2025. His biggest challenges remain improving command and generating more ground balls. Notably, Bowden has one option year left, giving the A’s flexibility to send him to the minors if needed.