White Cleat Beat
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 11
Next
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

8. Tyler Soderstrom

The Oakland A’s already have a solid group of young catchers. They added to that mix by selecting Tyler Soderstrom with the 26th overall selection of the 2020 MLB Draft.

Soderstrom was considered not just the best catching prospect in the draft, but he was also considered one of the top hitters as well. This was lofty praise considering that he was drafted out of high school and was not even the primary catcher on his team.

Yet, he has displayed plenty of intrigue behind the dish. Soderstrom is considered to be a solid receiver with a plus arm, although he is very raw in other defensive aspects. He is also quite athletic, which not only helps him behind the plate, but could also lead to a change in position in the future.

Offensively, the left handed hitting catcher is considered to have a polished approach, working the count and showing command of the strike zone. He has displayed more of a line drive oriented swing to this point, consistently making hard contact and showing an innate ability to put the barrel of the bat on the ball. His excellent speed is a plus for a catcher, and could also play a factor in whether or not he changes positions in the future.

The Oakland A’s abundance of riches at the catcher position continues with Tyler Soderstrom. The only question is whether or not he will remain at the position going forward.