Oakland A’s top ten prospects for 2020

1. Jesus Luzardo

Jesus Luzardo pitched at four different levels last season, making just 17 appearances due to injury. However, no matter where he was, the Oakland A’s prospect dominated the competition.

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Not only is Luzardo the top prospect on the A’s, but he is also considered to be one of the top two left handed pitching prospects in the game, with the honor between he and McKenzie Gore. But considering that Luzardo has pitched in the majors and upper levels of the minors, he may have tipped the scale to his advantage.

It is easy to see why that would be the case. He has an excellent four pitch arsenal, with a fastball sitting in the mid 90s and reaching as high as 97 MPH. Luzardo pairs that with an equally plus change, a fading and sinking offering that plays well with his sinking fastball. His breaking stuff is a mystery even to observers, with there being questions as to whether or not it is one or two pitches, but whatever the pitch(es), they are quite effective.

Even more impressively, Luzardo has displayed an ability to command his stuff on both sides of the plate. He has not been afraid to challenge the opposition, his competitive nature belied by a completely calm demeanor on the mound. Luzardo has all the makings of a staff ace, a position he could ascend to by the end of this season.

Jesus Luzardo could be the next dominant ace for the Oakland A’s. If last season was any indication, he is ready to devastate the major league level.