The Oakland Athletics wanted to bring back Bruce Maxwell this spring, but Maxwell turned them down. The team reportedly reached out to Maxwell — the first MLB player to take a knee during the anthem — before the season was postponed, according to Howard Bryant of ESPN.
The 29-year-old Maxwell — who is currently living in Mexico — told the team no.
During spring training before the season abruptly shut down, the A's needed catching. Maxwell's agent, fearsome former Oakland pitcher Dave Stewart, suggested Maxwell. Melvin, general manager David Forst and executive vice president Billy Beane all agreed to bring him back to the majors.