The tale of how Stephen Piscotty came to the Oakland Athletics was one of mercy and tragedy. The former Cardinals’ outfielder had struggled in 2017, battling injuries and regression in a truly disappointing season. Eventually, it was learned that his mother was battling ALS, a diagnosis that had to weigh heavily on his mind.
The Cardinals, having acquired Marcell Ozuna, sent Piscotty to Oakland in exchange for Yairo Munoz and Max Schrock, allowing him to be closer to his family. Tragically, his mother passed away in May of 2018, her loss overshadowing any production that Piscotty would have had that season.