White Cleat Beat
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Oakland A’s top ten prospects for 2020

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: A.J. Puk #31 and Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Oakland Athletics sit in the dugout prior to the game against the Texas Rangers at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 21, 2019 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Rangers 12-3. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: A.J. Puk #31 and Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Oakland Athletics sit in the dugout prior to the game against the Texas Rangers at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 21, 2019 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Rangers 12-3. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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Oakland Athletics catcher Sean Murphy
(Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

2. Sean Murphy

It did not take long for Sean Murphy to establish himself as one of the top young catchers to watch in the majors.

In just 18 games behind the plate, he uncorked the fourth hardest throw from a catcher last year, showcasing an arm that is already one of the strongest of any position player in the game. His glovework has always been lauded, with excellent footwork and impressive receiving and framing skills. Murphy could be a future Gold Glover at the position.

Offensively, he took a major step forward in the power department last year. He has a short swing and excellent contact skills, so that pop could continue going forward. Murphy also does an excellent job at making contact, limiting his strikeouts and drawing walks at a respectable clip.

It would not be a surprise if Murphy took a step back from his impressive debut in 2019. Offensive tends to develop later in catchers after all, and his defensive acumen will ensure that he remains behind the plate. Nonetheless, he remains one of the top catching prospects in the game, the type of player that could be a cornerstone for the Oakland A’s moving forward.

The time is now for Sean Murphy. He will be a key part of the Oakland A’s for the foreseeable future.