Oakland Athletics Roundup: Franklin Barreto Named to Top 10 List

Shortstop Franklin Barreto Next A’s Prospect Named to MLB Top 10 List
Oakland Athletics Roundup: Thursday, January 28

Oakland Athletics prospect Franklin Barreto was the next in line for recognition on Thursday. MLB.com is doing its annual top prospect rankings, going position by position. So far, the Athletics have had several big names on the lists, and shortstop was no exception.

Barreto hit .302/.333/.500 in High-A last year, but that didn’t stop the Athletics from sending him to play Winter League baseball this offseason. Barreto spent time in the outfield there, learning to play center field – a potential option if the A’s decide to move him off shortstop. His defense isn’t horrendous – he is only 19 years old, so some mistakes are inevitable – but he’s no Francisco Lindor, despite having a good arm.

Barreto has shown power and speed, but will need to move up to Double-A Midland next year, where hitters typically experience some growing pains in the pitcher-friendly Texas League.

It’s certainly nice to see so many of the Athletics’ prospects on these lists. That should be a good sign that the team is moving towards becoming a contender again, assuming Billy Beane doesn’t make any rash decisions and gamble away the future for another Jon Lester.

In Case You Missed It:

Rich Hill: Pitcher to Watch in 2016 – On Wednesday, Rich Paloma discussed the history of veteran left-hander Rich Hill, who the Athletics acquired over the offseason. Will Hill make it in the rotation or will he wind up in the bullpen eventually?

Profiling the A’s Spring Training Non-Roster Invitees: Chad Pinder – The Athletics have invited plenty of non-roster candidates to Spring Training, but the majority of them will end up in the minor leagues instead. What will the Opening Day fate of top shortstop prospect Chad Pinder be?

Profiling the A’s Spring Training Non-Roster Invitees: Franklin Barreto – Franklin Baretto might be the top prospect in the A’s system, but what does his invitation to Spring Training mean? The 19-year-old shortstop will certainly be a fun player to watch over the next two months.

#Athletics

Next: The Top 50 Players in Oakland Athletics History

Around the Web

Talking ‘Stros With Chris Devenski – Eric Huysman of Climbing Tal’s Hill interviews Houston Astros prospect Chis Devenski on his radio show, “Talking ‘Stros”. Devenski pitched in the Triple-A Championship game, defeating the Cleveland Indians’ affiliate, the Columbus Clippers.