Oakland Athletics still looking for shortstop of the future

Robert Pauson

Robert Pauson is still a long way away from being a part of the Oakland Athletics major league roster, but he may be the long term answer at the position.

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Considered the second best international prospect in the 2019-20 signing period, the A’s handed the Dominican shortstop a $5.1 million signing bonus. He spent all of last year getting instruction and training at the A’s facility in Mesa, with the idea that he would be unleashed once the 2020 minor league season begins.

There is plenty of room for projection with Pauson. He is a lean, wiry shortstop with excellent speed and tremendous instincts at the position. His excellent glove, strong arm, and impressive footwork should allow him to remain at the position, and possibly be a top defensive shortstop.

Offensively, he displayed the ability to put the bat on the ball and hit line drives to all fields. The belief is that, as his frame fills out, he could add more power to his swing, possibly being the type of player that could reach double digit homers and steal 30 to 40 bases at the major league level. Despite being just 17 years old, he could move through the system quickly, especially if his bat catches up to his defense.

The Oakland Athletics are looking for their future shortstop. They might have that in Robert Pauson.