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Oakland A’s 2020 Draft Recap: Rounds 2-5

By MJ Hurley

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 3: A view of the Oakland Athletics draft room after they make their first round pick in the MLB draft, during the opening day of the 2019 MLB draft, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on June 3, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 3: A view of the Oakland Athletics draft room after they make their first round pick in the MLB draft, during the opening day of the 2019 MLB draft, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on June 3, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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4th Ro

(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

und, Pick 127: RHP Dane Acker from Oklahoma University

Earlier in 2020, Acker found a way to not only throw a no-hitter but did so in the ballpark of the rival Houston Astros. Completing this feat on March 1st against LSU, Acker showed exactly why the Oakland A’s needed to use their fourth-round pick on the four-year college pitcher.

A smaller pitcher at 6-2 190 pounds, Acker generates plenty of power. The second straight player the A’s selected who were not highly touted, but performed well in their time at college.

Acker starred in 2019 for the Sooners, posting a 2.36 ERA and striking out 97 in 76 innings.

5th Round, Pick 157: Stevie Emanuels from Washington University

After selecting a high school player in the first round, the Oakland A’s selected their fourth straight college athlete in Emanuels.

During his sophomore campaign at Washington University, Emanuels appeared in 31 games for the Bears. Stevie struck out 65 in 54 innings and totaled 6 saves. Finishing the season fourth in the Pac-12 among qualified pitchers for ERA in 2019 at 2.36, Emanuels also stranded 12 of 17 inherited runners.

Emanuels clearly took a step forward in the shortened 2020 season, earning Collegiate Baseball All-America Third Team Honors. Stevie Emanuels is an older prospect with a tall frame, 6-5, to handle the stress of a major league season. A steal at 157 rounds out the draft for Oakland.

Conclusion:

Overall, the Oakland A’s clearly put an emphasis on pitching and chose reliable prospects they believed in. During a draft cycle where scouting was limited, the Athletics did a good job going after the players they wanted, no matter the ratings before the draft. A’s fans should be pleased with the class and look forward to the future on the mound in Oakland.