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Four intriguing Athletics prospects we'll see in majors during 2023 season

Taylor Wirth
·4 min read

Four intriguing A's prospects we'll see during 2023 season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea

One positive to the Athletics possibly being one of, if not the worst MLB teams this season, is the prospects that will make an impact at the major-league level this season.

The A's Opening Day roster already features exciting prospects in Shea Langeliers, Shintaro Fujinami, Esteury Ruiz, Nick Allen and Ken Waldichuk who all could have major roles on the team this season. However, there could be a few more names fans can look forward to seeing.

Here are four prospects fans should expect to see in the majors this season.

Tyler Soderstrom

Regardless of how the team performs on the field, Oakland's No. 1 overall prospect making his MLB debut will be one of the biggest storylines this season.

Selected in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft, Soderstrom impressed in his first full season in the organization, slashing .306/.390/.568 with 12 home runs and 49 RBI in 57 games with the Single-A Stockton Ports in 2021.

How did the young catcher follow up his impressive debut season? The then-20-year-old put up monster numbers in 2022, hitting a combined .267/.324/.501 with 29 home runs and 105 RBI across the High-A, Double-A and Triple-A levels.

Soderstrom, now in his age-21 season, already is off to a hot start with Triple-A Las Vegas and it shouldn't be long before the Turlock native makes his debut with Oakland.

The only question is, where will he play? With Langeliers breaking camp as the A's primary catcher, Soderstrom either will have to mix in behind the fellow top-catching prospect or will see time at first base where he played 59 games last season.

Zack Gelof

Gelof, the A's No. 3 prospect can play both third and second base and could be an intriguing option should veterans Tony Kemp, Jace Peterson or Aledmys Díaz underperform or miss time due to injury.

Gelof was selected by the A's in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft after being selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 38th round three years prior.

In 96 combined games between the Double- and Triple-A levels last season, Gelof hit .270/.352/.463 with 18 home runs and 66 RBI. Gelof began the 2023 season with Las Vegas and should be a lock to make his debut at some point this season.

Jordan Diaz

Arguably one of the most exciting prospects in the A's system is infielder Jordan Diaz. Oakland's No. 6 prospect had a cup of coffee in the majors last season, hitting .265 in 15 games.

Primarily a first and third baseman, Diaz also registered 12 games at second base last season with Oakland and has limited experience in the outfield. The cherry on top of his impressive versatility is his bat. In 120 games between the Double- and Triple-A levels last season, Diaz hit .326/.366/.515 with 19 home runs and 83 RBI.

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A career .290 hitter across six minor-league seasons, Diaz has one of the best pure bats in the system and should have an easy path to the majors from Las Vegas because of his versatility.

Lawrence Butler

One prospect who could be a wild card this season is outfielder Lawrence Butler. Unlike the other three youngsters, Butler will begin the season in Double-A and has a rather difficult path to the majors because of a crowded outfield.

However, the A's No. 10 prospect has blazing speed, can play multiple outfield positions plus first base and has impressive power, potentially giving Oakland their first 20-20 player since Coco Crisp hit 22 homers and swiped 21 bases in 2013.

The 22-year-old has yet to play at the Double-A level and likely would be a late-season call-up if he were to receive one at all this season.