A’s Prospects Fans Should Be Excited for in 2023
With the 2022 MLB season in its final weeks, Oakland A’s fans will be happy to close the book on a horrendous season. Although the team is heading for 100-plus losses, the farm system is showing some promise. Let’s look at some of the prospects A’s fans could see in 2023, and why they’re exciting.
RHP Luis Medina
Acquired in the Montas-Trivino trade, Medina is the A’s No. 11 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. The 6-foot-1 flame thrower is currently in Double-A with the Midland RockHounds. The simple scouting report on Medina is he throws hard but can’t locate. His 75-grade fastball sits around 96-99 mph and peaks at 103 with some cutting action. His curveball usually sits in the low 80s, and his changeup sits around 90 mph with some split action. He has the stuff, but his 6.3 walks per 9 innings in his minor league career is worrisome. Even if Medina can’t stay in the rotation, he still has an excellent floor of a late inning bullpen arm. Which, with that kind of velocity and movement, could be lethal.
1B/3B Jordan Diaz
One of the more surprising prospects in the A’s system, Diaz has risen to their No. 8 ranked prospect. There is no question about his ability to hit. The 22-year-old is said to have some of the best bat-to-ball skills in the organization. Diaz started 2022 in Double-A, but quickly worked his way up to Triple-A Las Vegas. In 24 games in Vegas, Diaz is hitting .343 with 23 RBIs. Between Midland and Vegas this year, he’s batting .324. The only question mark for Diaz is his defensive home. He has never been great on defense, and with the A’s plethora of corner infield prospects, Diaz may have to slide into a DH role. That may be the perfect spot for him, however, as the kind of bat you have to have in your lineup.
RHP Jeff Criswell
Another pitcher out of Midland, Criswell was the second-round pick in 2020 by the A’s. As the No. 19 prospect in the system, Criswell has received comparisons to former A Chris Bassitt in terms of athletic build. The 23-year-old has a solid 4-pitch mix consisting of a fastball, changeup, slider, and curveball. His fastball sits around 93-97 mph, and his off-speed has good swing and miss qualities. Despite some small mechanic issues to work out, Criswell does project as a starting pitcher and has an ETA of 2023.
2B/3B Zack Gelof
One of the most exciting prospects in the organization, the No. 4 ranked prospect is nothing but exceptional. A second-round draft pick in 2021, Gelof has quickly risen throughout the farm system and is a good bet to make his MLB debut in 2023. Strong athleticism, fast runner, and an excellent plate approach is what got Gelof all the way to Triple-A the same year he was drafted. Back in Double-A for 2022, Gelof is batting .278/.362/.448 in 82 games. If it wasn’t for a torn labrum back in May, Gelof was in talks for being called up in 2022. While his arm, which is a little weak for third base, has seen a lot of second base recently. The 22-year-old still has time, and his defense could lead him to follow the long list of elite third baseman in Oakland.
While these prospects could see time in 2023, they’ll be joining an already strong core of young talent in the majors. Shortstop Nick Allen, infielder Jonah Bride, and catcher Shea Langeliers have all been flashing their potential.
On the pitching side, left-handers Ken Waldichuk and JP Sears have made their case for the starting rotation. Right-handers Adrian Martinez and Adam Oller have also flashed some potential this year. They look to be in the competition for the rotation as well.
Although the current season is a bust for the A’s fans, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2023 and beyond.
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