The A’s have avoided arbitration with Chad Pinder and Burch Smith by signing the two to one-year contracts on Tuesday, the team announced.
The San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser was first to report the Pinder news. USA Today's Bob Nightengale was first to report the Smith news.
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Pinder became an essential part of the A’s success in 2020, especially when two-time Platinum Glove Award winner Matt Chapman's season ended early after undergoing hip surgery. Pinder was able to step in at third base when needed.
Pinder also won the starting job at second base after a long spring training and Summer Camp competition.
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Pinder played in just 24 games this past season after struggling with injury. In that campaign, he slashed .232/.295/.393 with 13 hits and three home runs.
Pinder also was a part of history hitting a three-run home run in Game 3 of the American League Division Series in October against the Houston Astros. His home run, along with shots earlier in the game from Matt Olson, Tommy La Stella and Marcus Semien, gave the A’s the first full infield in MLB history to each hit a homer during a single playoff game.
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Pinder will continue to be an integral piece of a strong defensive lineup heading forward.