Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the The 2023 Prospect Digest Handbook here
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1. Tyler Soderstrom, C / 1B
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50/55 | 60 | 30 | 50 | 45 | 60 |
Background: The opening round of the 1993 draft proved to be loaded with a bevy of eventual big league superstars like Alex Rodriguez, Billy Wagner, Torii Hunter, Derek Lee, Chris Carpenter, and Jason Varitek. And there were several notable prospects that turned in long, productive big league careers too, such as Trot Nixon, Brian Anderson, Jamey Wright, and Darren Dreifort (who earned a higher bonus than A-Rod, by the way). But Tyler Soderstrom’s dad, Steve, only earned a brief, three-game cup of big league coffee – despite being the sixth overall pick. The younger Soderstrom, though, is proving to be a significantly superior prospect – despite hearing his name called 20 selections later. A product of Turlock High School, home to the Bulldogs, Soderstrom ripped through the Low-A competition during his injury-abbreviated debut in 2021. He would mash .306/.390/.568 with 20 doubles, one triple, and 12 homeruns in only 57 games. His overall production with Stockton that year topped the league average threshold by a whopping 45%, per Weighted Runs Created Plus. And that, truly, proved to be a harbinger of things to come. Oakland bumped their prized youngster up to High-A to begin the 2022 season, but after hitting .260/.323/.513 through 89 games, the front office deemed him ready for the minors’ toughest challenge – Double-A. And he was. Soderstrom’s stint with Midland lasted just 36 games before moving on to Triple-A for a nine-game cameo with Las Vegas. Overall, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound catcher / first baseman slugged .267/.324/.501 with 21 doubles, five homeruns, and 29 stolen bases. His overall production topped the league average mark by 16%. And his 29 dingers tied for the 19th highest total among all minor league bats.
Scouting Report: With regard to his longest stint last season (High-A), consider the following:
- Since 2006, only three 20-year-old hitters posted a wRC+ between 120 and 130 with a 6% to 9% walk rate and a strikeout rate north of 25% in High-A (min. 350 PA): Tyler O’Neill (who’s been a well above average big league hitter in his career), Brewers prospect Mario Feliciano, and – of course – Tyler Soderstrom.
If Billy Beane himself created a young prospect he might resemble something like Soderstrom. Tall, lean, muscular, lefty-swinging part-time catcher and first baseman. Strong bloodlines. Tremendous raw power, something close to plus-plus. Soderstrom might have the fastest bat in the minor leagues. It’s explosive. It’s the type that can barrel up elite velocity with ease. Last season the former Bonus Baby struggled against southpaws for the first time in his professional career, though it’s not a long term concern. Soderstrom is still posing as a catcher, at least part time, but his eventual full time position will be first base. He’s a genuine middle-of-the-lineup, future cornerstone bat in the making. In terms of big league ceiling, think: .280/.340/.500. If his defense at the bag hovers around league average, he has a chance to be a perennial All-Star caliber player.
Ceiling: 4.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023
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2. Freddy Tarnok, RHP
| FB | CB | SL | CH | Command | Overall |
| 60 | 60 | 55 | 50 | 45/50 | 55 |
Background: After dangling the club’s last big trade chip on the market for seemingly forever, Oakland’s brass – finally – found a deal they liked. It just took two other organizations to get it done. In mid-December the A’s, Braves, and Brewers got together on a massive nine-player swap. The actual specifics of the deal are as follows: Atlanta acquired Gold Glove-winning backstop Sean Murphy; Milwaukee acquired William Contreras, Joel Payamps, and Justin Yeager; and Oakland received Freddy Tarnok, Royber Salinas, Kyle Muller, Manny Pina, and Esteury Ruiz. Tarnok, a wiry 6-foot-3, 185-pound right-hander, is the best among the large quantity of players Oakland received. Originally taken in the third round of the 2017 draft, Tarnok quietly put together a breakout – albeit abbreviated – campaign in 2021. He averaged 13.4 strikeouts and 3.4 walks per nine innings across 16 appearances between the organization’s High-A and Double-A affiliates. Last season the Florida-born hurler split time between Double-A and Triple-A, throwing a career best 106.2 innings with 124 punch outs and 44 free passes to go along with a 4.05 ERA and a 4.43 FIP. Tarnok made one brief appearance against the New York Metropolitans as well.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only four 23-year-old hurlers posted a 25.5% to 27.5% strikeout percentage with an 8% to 10% walk percentage in any Triple-A league (min. 40 IP): Cade Cavalli, Zack Littell, Allen Webster, and Freddy Tarnok.
Tarnok remains (A) one of my favorite pitching prospects in all the minor leagues and (B) one of the most underrated prospects in all the minors, as well. A repertoire that screams mid-rotation, maybe even a true #2, potential. Tarnok hurls a borderline plus-plus fastball, hovering in the 96- to 97-mph range. His curveball is an absolute 12-6 hammer, adding a second true swing-and-miss pitch. Mid-80s above-average slider. And a workably decent changeup. The command wavers between a 45- and 50-grade skill. It’s mind blowing that Tarnok isn’t a consensus Top 100 prospect. Barring any injury concerns, he’s going to be able to slide right into Oakland’s #3 spot in the rotation. Love, love, love Tarnok and his underrated, underappreciated potential.
Ceiling: 3.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2022
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3. Ken Waldichuk, LHP
| FB | CB | SL | CH | Command | Overall |
| 60 | 50 | 55 | 50 | 45 | 55 |
Background: As part of the club’s continued rebuilding efforts, the front office dealt away right-hander Frankie Montas, one of their largest remaining trade chips, in early August last summer. It ended up being a two-for-four deal with the Yankees as Oakland acquired pitchers Ken Waldichuk, Luis Medina, J.P. Sears, and infielder Cooper Bowman in exchange for Lou Trivino and Montas. Originally drafted in the fifth round in 2019 out of Saint Mary’s College of California, which has quietly become a haven for pitching prospects, Waldichuk turned in – arguably – the most dominant debut in the entire class. He would make 10 brief starts for New York’s Appalachian League affiliate, posting an absurd 49-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio in only 29.1 innings of work. Once baseball returned from its COVID absence, Waldichuk shredded High-A hitters across seven unhittable starts (30.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 55 K, and 13 BB) and settled in comfortably for 16 more appearances in the minors’ toughest level – Double-A. Last season the 6-foot-4, 220-pound southpaw made six more starts in AA and another 11 in Triple-A before settling in Oakland for seven late-season guest appearances. Waldichuk finished his minor league season with 95.0 innings, 137 strikeouts, just 36 walks and a 2.84 ERA. He would throw another 34.2 innings in the big leagues, averaging 8.6 strikeouts and 2.6 walks nine innings.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only four 24-year-old hurlers posted a strikeout percentage north of 30% and a walk percentage between 8% and 11% in Triple-A (min. 60 IP): Adbert Alzolay, Jackson Kowar, Ryan Pepiot, and Ken Waldichuk.
There’s long arm actions. And then there’s Ken Waldichuk’s looooong arm action. It’s brutal to watch and it’s never going to allow the hard-throwing left-hander’s command to spill over into average territory. But it does allow for some deception. Waldichuk will run his heater upwards of 96 mph with some extra giddy up above the belt. His go-to offspeed pitch is an above-average slider that’s particularly filthy for right-handers when he’s locating down and in. He’ll vary the break and velocity on the offering, throwing it anywhere between 79 mph and 84 mph. What makes the offering so potent is that its spin mirrors that of his fastball. Waldichuk will also mix in a solid average changeup and a rare curveball. He has a serious propensity for missing bats, but his 45-grade command will keep him from ascending towards the front of a rotation. He should be a lock for Oakland’s #3 / #4 spot for the next four or five years.
Ceiling: 3.0- to 3.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: Debuted in 2022
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4. Daniel Susac, C
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50 | 50 | 30 | 45 | 50 | 55 |
Background: Taking a page out of the Jung Brothers’ playbook, Susac’s following in his brother’s footsteps as a top prospect. Originally a product out of Jesuit High School – home to Andrew Susac (of course), Lars Anderson, and J.P. Howell – the young backstop was a standout two-sport athlete during his teenage years, starring on the diamond and the gridiron for the California-based school. A 6-foot-4, 218-pound prospect, Susac was an offensive dynamo during his freshman season at the University of Arizona, slugging a scorching .335/.393/.591 with 24 doubles, one triple, and 12 homeruns in 61 games for the Pac-12 powerhouse. He spent the ensuing summer playing for Team USA, compiling .273/.273/.318 slash line in nine games (including seven starts). Last season the Wildcat’s star upped the ante even further. In a career best 64 games, Susac batted .366/.430/.582 with 19 doubles, two triples, and 12 homeruns – earning him a bevy of awards, including:
- #1. Perfect Game Second Team All-American
- #2. NCBWA Second Team All-American
- #3. ACBA First Team West All-Region
- #4. Coral Cables NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team
- #5. Collegiate Baseball Second Team All-American
- #6. Pac-12 All-Conference
- #7. Golden Spike Award Semifinalist
- #8. Dick Howser Trophy Semifinalist
Oakland selected the star catcher in the opening round, 19th overall, and signed him to a deal worth a $3,531,200 – the recommended slot bonus. Once signed, Susac did a two-game cameo in the Complex League before spending the rest of the season in Low-A. He would hit a rock solid .286/.346/.388 in 25 games with the Stockton Ports.
Scouting Report: Per the usual, my pre-draft write-up:
“Consider the following:
- Since 2011, only two Pac-12 hitters posted a .360/.425/.575 slash line with a single-digit walk rate in a season (min. 275 PA): J.J. Matijevic and – of course – Andrew Susac.
Plenty of natural loft and strength to jolt 20 homeruns a year in the professional ranks. The problem with Susac is that his swing tends to get a bit long at times. He loves the ball low, so he can elevate it. He may struggle with pitches at the top of the zone. Solid defensive contributor who can help control the run game. Susac doesn’t figure to be a star at the big league level, he but should have no problem carving out a lengthy career as a better than average backstop.”
Ceiling: 3.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2024
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5. Zack Gelof, 3B
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 55 | 45/50 | 50 | 55 | 45/50 | 55 |
Background: The Oakland franchise went nearly three full decades in between selecting college-aged third baseman in the second round. All the way back in 1992 the A’s, captained by Sandy Alderson, drafted Long Beach slugger Jason Giambi, then a third baseman, with the 58th overall pick. Giambi, of course, would go to have a borderline Hall of Fame career – though one not without drama. Twenty-nine years later, under the guidance of David Forst, the ball club snagged University of Virginia star Zack Gelof with the 60th overall pick. A career .316/.396/.478 hitter over three seasons with the Cavaliers, Gelof not only established himself as one of the better value picks in the 2021 draft, but also one of the better college bats as well. The young third baseman mashed .298/.393/.548 with eight doubles, one triple, and seven homeruns in just 32 games with the Stockton Ports during professional debut. And his performance last season only further solidified his status as a prospect. Opening the year up in Double-A, the minors’ toughest challenge and just 36 total games removed from college competition, Gelof slugged a rock solid .271/.356/.438 with 16 doubles, two triples, 13 homeruns, and nine stolen bases (in 11 total attempts). His production with the RockHounds, according to Weighted Runs Created Plus, topped the league average mark by 5%. The former second rounder spent the last handful of games (successfully) squaring off against Triple-A pitching. Gelof appeared in 19 games with the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League following the season, hitting a meager .211/.296/.324.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only two 22-year-old hitters posted a 100 to 110 wRC+ with a 10.5% to 12.5% walk percentage and a strikeout percentage north of 25% in Double-A (min. 350 PA): John Tolisano and Zack Gelof.
So there are two stories to Gelof’s first full season in professional ball: #1 pre-torn labrum in his left shoulder and #2 post-torn labrum in his left shoulder – an injury suffered during a dive attempt in late May. And, as expected, the pre-injury production is significantly better than the post-injury production. From Opening Day through May 26th, the second / third baseman slugged .316/.372/.458. But after he returned to action on July 15th through the rest of the year, he hit a meager .235/.339/.466. Gelof hasn’t fully tapped into his power just yet, but there’s some sneaky raw thump. He has a knack for first base, shows an above-average hit tool, and runs well. He’s still rough around the edges on the defensive side of things, but should be serviceable with some fine tuning. In terms of big league ceiling, think .290/.355/.440.
Ceiling: 3.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023
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6. Max Muncy, SS
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 35/45 | 50/55 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 55 |
Background: Unbelievably – or, perhaps not, due to the nature of the organization – but the Athletics have selected just five high school shortstops in the first round in the franchise’s storied history: Chet Lemon, who would go on to have a borderline Hall of Fame career, in 1972; Juan Bustbad, who was taken directly in front of Andy Van Slyke, with the fifth overall pick in 1979; Addison Russell and Daniel Robertson, both drafted in 2012; and – of course – Max Muncy. Not to be confused with Oakland’s 2012 fifth round pick that happens to share the same name and birthdate, the A’s snagged the promising prep player in the opening round, 25th overall, out of Thousand Oaks High School two years ago. Muncy would appear in 11 Complex League games that summer, compiling a lowly .129/.206/.129 slash line. Last season, despite the lack of experience, the front office pushed the former Bonus Baby up to Stockton to begin the year. Muncy responded with a .230/.325/.447 slash line in 81 games. He was promoted up to High-A in late July for his final 41 games of the year (.226/.305/.375). The 6-foot-1, 180-pound infielder hit an aggregate .229/.336/.422 with 28 doubles, three triples, 19 homers, and 19 stolen bases. His production, per Weighted Runs Created Plus, topped the league average threshold by 1%.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only four 19-year-old hitters met the following criteria in Low-A (min. 350 PA): 100 to 110 wRC+, a walk rate north of 12%, and a strikeout rate above 28%. Those four hitters: Wes Kath, Brandon Howlett, Maikol Escotto, and – of course – Max Muncy.
Muncy ticks off quite a few of the important checkboxes. Not only does he play a premium defensive position, but he also projects to remain at that spot. He shows an advanced approach at the plate. The former Thousand Oaks star packs a surprising punch. And he runs better than most. The problem, however, is quite clear: will the former first rounder make enough consistent contact to take advantage of his well-rounded toolkit? In short: Yes, it’s just going to take time. Muncy shows a simple approach at the plate, short quick swing with good torque. And despite the gaudy strikeout rate hovering in the 30% range, he displayed promising ability to (A) lay off of offspeed pitches out of the zone and (B) adjust mid-pitch on secondary offerings. There’s a lot of similar offensive traits as Orioles standout rookie Gunnar Henderson. Muncy has a .245/.330/.450-type offensive ceiling with solid defense.
Ceiling: 3.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2024
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7. Kyle Muller, LHP
| FB | CB | SL | CH | Command | Overall |
| 55 | 55 | 55 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Background: A part of the multitude of players Oakland received in the three-team deal that involved Gold Glove-winning backstop Sean Murphy going to Atlanta. Muller was part of the Braves’ trio of high schoolers selected atop the 2016 draft class, falling behind Ian Anderson and Joey Wentz. The 6-foot-7, 250-pound southpaw has been a mainstay among some publications Top 100 Prospect Lists since entering pro ball. Muller spent last season bouncing between the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A) and Atlanta. He tossed 134.2 innings in the minor leagues, recording an impressive 159-to-40 strikeout-to-walk ratio to go along with a 3.41 ERA. He made three big league starts spread across the length of the season as well, throwing another 12.1 innings with 12 punch outs and eight free passes. For his minor league career, he’s averaging 9.8 punch outs and 3.8 walks per nine innings with a 3.18 ERA.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only two 24-yer-old hurlers posted a strikeout percentage between 27% and 31% with a walk percentage between 6% and 9% in any Triple-A league (min. 100 IP): J.P. Howell and Kyle Muller.
Muller’s rookie eligibility remained intact – by one single inning. Seemingly always a work in progress, the big lefty’s command improved by leaps-and-bounds during his sixth professional season, going from a 40-grade skill all the way up to average. Equally important, as well, is the progress his changeup, which was always lagging, showed as well. Above-average fastball, curveball, and slider. It’s the foundation for a league average hurler, maybe a tick better if he can chew up 200 or more innings in a season.
Ceiling: 2.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: Debuted in 2021
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8. Esteury Ruiz, OF
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50 | 45 | 70 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Background: It was the most criticized move near the trade deadline last summer – especially for an organization with playoff aspirations. But the Brewers shipped off four-time All-Star closer Josh Hader, theoretically still in his prime, to the Padres for fellow veteran lefty reliever Taylor Rogers, 2021 second rounder Robert Gasser, outfielder Esteury Ruiz, and right-hander Dinelson Lamet, who was claimed off waiver by the Rockies just four days after the big deal. A native of Azua, Dominican Republic, Ruiz began his professional career in impressive fashion, slugging .313/.378/.512 in the foreign rookie league in 2016 and promptly following that up with a .350/.395/.602 slash line in the Arizona Summer League the following season. The 6-foot, 169-pound former infielder / outfielder continued to show offensive promise as he moved into the Midwest League in 2018, batting a respectable .253/.324/.403 as a 19-year-old. From there, though, Ruiz struggled over his next few seasons in the Padres’ organization as he moved up to High-A and Double-A. Last season, though, the young Dominican prospect – now 23-years-old – rediscovered whatever magic he showed in early parts of his career. Splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A in both organizations, Ruiz mashed an aggregate .332/.447/.526 with career highs in doubles (33), homeruns (16), and stolen bases (85). His overall production, as measured by Weighted Runs Created Plus, was a whopping 56% better than league average threshold. He also split time at the big league level as well, batting a lowly .171/.194/.257 in 17 games with Milwaukee and San Diego. Oakland acquired Ruiz as part of the Sean Murphy swap with the Brewers and Braves this offseason.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only four 23-year-old hitters posted a 135 to 145 wRC+ with a strikeout rate between 16% and 19% and a double-digit walk rate (min. 300 PA): Joey Votto, Shin-Soo Choo, Marcus Semien, and – of course – Esteury Ruiz. Four those counting at home: Votto owns a career 146 wRC+ and should eventually get into the Hall of Fame; Choo finished his career with a 123 wRC+ mark, and Semien, owner of a massive new deal from the Rangers, has topped the league average mark by 9%.
The minor league leader in stolen bases by a wide margin (he swiped 14 more than runner up Luis Valdez), Ruiz is – clearly – a plus-plus runner. But he complements his speed with a solid approach at the plate, including a willingness to get on base via the walk and his concerning strikeout rates earlier in his career continue to move further in the rearview mirror. There’s not a lot of homerun potential – or projection – at this point. In terms of big league upside, think: .270/.330/.415 with 25 stolen bases.
Ceiling: 2.0-win player
Risk: Low to Moderate
MLB ETA: Debuted in 2022
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9. Jordan Diaz, 1B / 2B / 3B
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 55 | 50 | 30 | 45 | 45/50 | 50 |
Background: Not only did Diaz put together one of the best – if not the best – season in Oakland’s farm system in 2022, but his production ranks among the game’s best prospects as well. A slow, methodically moving trek through the first four years of his professional career, Diaz spent parts of three seasons in the foreign and stateside rookie leagues. He would spend the entirety of 2019 squaring off against the New York-Penn League, hitting a mediocre .264/.307/.430 in 70 games with the Vermont Lake Monsters. And after minor league baseball returned from its COVID-induced absence, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound corner infielder / outfielder turn in his best performance to date in High-A two years ago, slugging .288/.337/.484 with 24 doubles, one triple, and 13 homeruns in just 90 games with the Lansing Lugnuts. But nothing would have suggested that the Monteria, Colombia, native was on the precipice of an offensive explosion. In 120 combined games with Midland and Las Vegas, Diaz mashed an aggregate .326/.366/.515 with career highs in doubles (34) and homeruns (19). His production for the year, according to Weighted Runs Created Plus, topped the league average by 22%
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only two 21-year-old hitters posted a 115 to 125 wRC+ with a 4.5% to 6.5% walk rate and a 14% to 18% strikeout rate in Double-A (min. 350 PA): Randal Grichuk and Jordan Diaz.
It’s almost too easy to slap the “Professional Hitter” label on Diaz, but it fits oh-so-well. Despite being underrated for his entire professional career – some of that due to size or lack of projection or position or defensive shortcomings – but Diaz has been a remarkably consistent bat at each stop along the way. Good bat speed, but not great. Average power, but not noteworthy. But he shows an incredible knack of consistently putting the ball in play. The front office continues to explore a defensive landing spot for him but he profiles as a .270/.330/.400-type bat.
Ceiling: 2.0-win player
Risk: Low to Moderate
MLB ETA: Debuted in 2022
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10. Denzel Clarke, OF
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 35/40 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 55 | 55 |
Background: Oozing the tantalizing combination of speed, power, explosive tendencies, and strength, it’s no wonder Clarke’s family tree is sprinkled with several premium athletes. His mother, Donna, competed in the women’s heptathlon at the 1984 Summer Olympics at the age of 19. His uncle, Kevin Smellie, was a running back for the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. His cousin, Gavin Smellie, participated in the Summer Olympics a decade ago. And, then, of course, his other cousins spent last season on the Guardians’ playoff roster – Josh and Bo Naylor. A fourth round pick out of California State University, Northridge, home to the Matadors, two years ago, Clark opened up his first full season in pro ball with the Stockton Ports in Low-A. But after mashing .295/.420/.545 with 23 extra-base hits in only 42 games, the front office bumped him up a level. And his production dropped – precipitously. He would cobble together a lowly .209/.317/.406 slash line in 51 games with the Lugnuts of Lansing. He would finish the year with an aggregate .248/.365/.469 line with 23 doubles, four triples, 15 homeruns, and 30 stolen bases (in only 33 attempts).
Scouting Report: The knock on Clarke – like a lot of other A’s prospects – is whether he’s going to make enough contact to take full advantage of his raw ability. If he does make enough contact, the ceiling’s as high as any in the system. If he doesn’t, well, you know how it’ll turn out. Easy power – the type only superstar sluggers possess. The kind that drives balls 450 feet the other way with a flick of the wrist. Incredible bat speed. Plus speed. Plus patience at the plate. Above-average glove in any outfield spot. The odds are long on this lottery ticket, but sometimes they payoff.
Ceiling: 3.0-win player
Risk: High
MLB ETA: 2024
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All statistics were provided via the following website: Baseball Reference, FanGraphs, TheBaseballCube, BaseballProspectus, ClayDavenport.com, and Baseball America.
