A needed distraction from the Atlanta Braves dumpster fire that is the 2025 season is checking in on former players. This includes prospects who found new landing spots over the past handful of seasons. C.J. Alexander is a name Atlanta fans might remember based on an incredibly exciting 2018 season in the Braves' minor league system. Despite being a late-round pick, Alexander put up great numbers in his first season before suffering regression after being promoted. This would lead to the Braves opting to trade away the infielder to the Kansas City Royals in 2022.
Atlanta moved Alexander along with two other players in exchange for improved draft positioning. This would start a two-year stint in Kansas City where Alexander would make his Major League debut and collect the first hit of his career. The third baseman's time with the big-league club was short-lived, with the team optioning the infielder back to the minor leagues before opting to part ways altogether at the end of August 2024.
C.J. Alexander Continues to Struggle to Find a Foothold on a Major League Roster
The Athletics claimed the infielder off waivers from the Royals and quickly found a depth spot for the veteran minor leaguer. Alexander put up solid numbers in a small sample size and would remain with the club heading into the 2025 season. After failing to make the initial roster out of spring training, the third baseman would be promoted due to injury. In limited action, Alexander collected 3 hits and offered a .176 average in a secondary role.
Predictably, this resulted in the Athletics demoting the infielder at the first opportunity. It continues to be a frustrating path for the former Brave, who simply cannot find the offensive consistency needed to make the jump to the next level. It is fair to wonder if Alexander is nearing the end of the road, if he is unable to make an underwhelming Athletics roster.
No team is better suited to give Alexander a shot to stick at the next level. Along with the Chicago White Sox, the A's are in the basement of the American League in clear rebuilding mode. This opens the door for Alexander to make a push to cement his status in the organization. While there is still a long season ahead, things aren't off to a promising start.