News

South Australian pitcher Jack O’Loughlin has signed a contract with the Oakland Athletics in a deal that includes an invite to Major League Spring Training in February.
O’Loughlin is knocking on the doors of the Major Leagues. He spent the bulk of 2023 as a member of the Detroit Tigers’ organisation pitching in Triple-A for the Toledo Mudhens, the level below MLB.

The invitation to Spring Training means he will be part of the MLB squad’s pre-season, with a great opportunity to make an MLB roster out of camp if he impresses.

“This is the best opportunity to forward my career and hopes of becoming an MLB player,” says O’Loughlin.

Jack, 23, is pushing to become the 38th Australian player to reach the major leagues.

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He is a towering left-handed pitcher with a mid-90mph fast ball and strong off-speed stuff. He is considered one of Australia’s top pitchers.

O’Loughlin was second on the Mudhens in ERA among qualified starters with a 4.78ERA in 86.2 innings across 18 starts. He had three starts where he pitched at least 5.0 innings and didn’t allow a run.

He was the starting pitcher for Australia’s pivotal victories over South Korea and Czech Republic at the World Baseball Classic in March.

He also started the Adelaide Giants’ championship winning game three of the 2023 ABL Championship series.

O’Loughlin spent the last seven seasons in the Detroit Tigers’ system after signing as a 16-year-old in 2017.

He is under contract with the Adelaide Giants for the 2023-24 ABL season.