Oakland Athletics’ Top Four Draft Picks Challenge Current Prospects

Jun 13, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Baseball sits on pitchers mound at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Round Three: Dakota Chalmers

The A’s stole right-handed pitcher Dakota Chalmers in this draft. Going into the draft, he was ranked 33rd of all eligible draftees, and the A’s snagged him 97th overall. Baseball Essentials even ranked him as the best value pick, mentioning that he suddenly and unexpectedly fell off of the draft radar. Of the A’s top ten draft picks in 2015, Chalmers is the only one drafted right out of high school.

Chalmers is best known for blowing hitters away with his fastball. It is easily his best weapon, and he has the capability of throwing up to 98 MPH. MLB’s Prospect Pipeline notes that his curveball and slider are well above average, and that he is able to control these pitches well. Baseball America says that he is fit to be a starter, and should fill in the middle of a Major League rotation.

At only 18 years old, Chalmers is several years away from the Majors. The A’s should be excited that they were able to acquire this quality arm right out of high school. He will absolutely be a top-ten prospect in the A’s system, and easily challenge Dillon Overton for the title of top pitching prospect for the A’s.

Next: Round Two: Mikey White