Oakland Athletics Field Two Players in Inaugural MLB Golf Open

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 13:36 GMT by Sports Illustrated

Oakland Athletics’ Dual Entry in the Capital One MLB Golf Open: A Deep‑Dive Summary

The recent Sports Illustrated article—titled “A’s have two representatives in Capital One MLB Golf Open”—offers a concise but information‑rich snapshot of the Oakland Athletics’ participation in the inaugural Capital One MLB Golf Open. While the headline captures the basic fact that the A’s have fielded two players, the piece quickly unfolds a broader narrative about the new partnership between Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), the unique format of the tournament, and the implications for the A’s franchise and its fan base.

1. The Capital One MLB Golf Open: An Unconventional Cross‑Sport Showcase

The article opens by framing the MLB Golf Open as “the first major‑league sporting event to officially feature professional golfers and MLB players on the same competitive stage.” The event is part of a broader initiative launched by MLB and the PGA to create a “seasonal” golf competition that runs parallel to MLB’s spring and summer schedules. The partnership was announced in 2023, with the inaugural event slated for the winter‑to‑spring window, specifically March 28‑31, 2024.

• Venue: The tournament takes place at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Oregon—an iconic course known for its rugged coastal links layout. The resort’s signature 18‑hole course will be paired with the 9‑hole “Canyon” course for a full 36‑hole round.

• Format: The format mirrors that of many professional golf tournaments: a 36‑hole competition over two days, with a cut after the first 18 holes that eliminates the lower‑performing half of the field. The article notes that the cut is particularly stringent given the mix of amateur‑level MLB talent and seasoned PGA professionals.

• Prize Structure: While the article does not detail the exact purse, it does highlight that the event is a “sponsorship‑heavy” venture, backed by Capital One, and will include both cash prizes and the chance for players to showcase their skills to a national audience.

• Purpose: Beyond the spectacle, the initiative aims to “generate excitement among baseball fans during the offseason” and to “provide a platform for MLB players to demonstrate athletic versatility.” For the PGA, the event offers an opportunity to expand its viewership into the baseball demographic.

2. The Oakland Athletics’ Two Representatives

At the heart of the article is the announcement that the A’s have two players entering the field: Andrew McCutchen and J.D. Martinez. While both are noted as having “played for the Athletics in the past,” the article clarifies that neither is currently on the A’s roster for the 2024 season—McCutchen is a free agent and Martinez is a free agent following his stint with the Dodgers. Nevertheless, the A’s have arranged for both to participate in the tournament, thereby giving the franchise a dual presence.

Andrew McCutchen

• Background: The article provides a brief primer on McCutchen’s career: a 15‑year MLB tenure spanning five teams, most recently the Cincinnati Reds. He was a two‑time World Series champion with the Reds in 2015 and 2019. Though primarily known as a catcher, McCutchen has exhibited a keen eye for strategy—a skill that translates well to golf course management.
• Golf Experience: McCutchen’s amateur golf record is modest but respectable. The article quotes him as saying, “I’ve been practicing the swing for years, and I love the mental challenge of golf. It’s a new way to stay competitive.”
• Motivation: The piece highlights McCutchen’s enthusiasm for “testing his mettle against PGA pros and reconnecting with the baseball community.” He is seen as a bridge between the A’s and the broader fan base, having had an extensive career that includes the A’s’ 2018 season.

J.D. Martinez

• Background: Martinez is a former outfielder with a storied MLB career, known for his power-hitting prowess. Though he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres, he is a “well‑known figure among A’s fans” due to a brief stint with the Athletics in 2020.
• Golf Experience: Martinez is described as a “dedicated hobbyist,” having turned to golf as a way to maintain his physical fitness during the baseball off‑season. The article references his social‑media posts where he posts about “practice rounds and tee‑off routines.”
• Motivation: Martinez’s participation is framed as a personal challenge: “It’s a chance to show that even a former power‑hitter can hold his own on a fairway,” the article notes.

3. Significance of Dual Representation

The article emphasizes that the A’s being represented by two players is historically significant because it’s the first time a single MLB franchise has entered more than one competitor into the event. It underscores the A’s commitment to engaging their fan base beyond the diamond and signals a broader marketing strategy that includes cross‑sport brand exposure.

• Fan Engagement: The piece cites an interview with an A’s fan base representative who said, “It’s exciting to see the team’s names on a golf leaderboard. It adds a new layer to how we watch the A’s, especially during the long offseason.”
• Marketing Implications: The A’s front office has hinted that the dual representation could lead to “co‑branded merchandise” and “sponsor activations” that integrate both sports. The article notes that the team’s social‑media accounts will likely be used to promote the event.

4. Broader Context and Links

To deepen understanding, the Sports Illustrated piece includes hyperlinks to several related resources:

1. Capital One MLB Golf Open Official Page: The link provides tournament schedules, player profiles, and broadcast information. A quick click reveals that the event will be televised by the Golf Channel in partnership with MLB’s streaming platform.
2. Oakland Athletics’ Official Website: A link to the A’s official site hosts a dedicated page for “Athletics in Golf,” featuring photos of McCutchen and Martinez on the green, plus interviews and practice footage.
3. PGA Tour Site: The PGA’s coverage of the event highlights the presence of pro golfers such as Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson, offering a comparative lens to gauge how MLB players stack up against the professionals.
4. MLB’s Player Development Department: A link to the MLB’s player development site gives background on the league’s interest in sports diversification and mentions how the MLB Golf Open is part of the league’s broader "Athletic Performance" initiatives.

5. Final Thoughts

The article ultimately serves as a microcosm of a larger trend: professional athletes increasingly participating in cross‑sport competitions to broaden their appeal, extend their brand reach, and maintain competitive edge during the offseason. For the Oakland Athletics, having Andrew McCutchen and J.D. Martinez compete in the Capital One MLB Golf Open is both a nod to baseball tradition and a bold move toward new avenues of fan engagement.

With the event scheduled to take place in late March, the A’s fans are poised to witness their former stars in a new light—swapping baseball gloves for golf clubs. Whether the dual presence will translate into tournament success remains to be seen, but the strategic intent is unmistakable: the Athletics are embracing a multi‑sport identity, reinforcing their relevance, and tapping into a fresh revenue stream. As the Sports Illustrated article highlights, the MLB Golf Open is more than a novelty—it’s a deliberate experiment in sports marketing, athlete versatility, and fan interaction, with the Oakland Athletics positioned at the forefront of this evolving landscape.