Oakland A’s add three prospects to 40 man roster

MESA, AZ - February 22: Miguel Romero #65 of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on February 22, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
MESA, AZ - February 22: Miguel Romero #65 of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on February 22, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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The Oakland A’s added three prospects to their 40 man roster ahead of the deadline to protect them from the Rule V Draft.

The deadline for teams to protect players from the Rule V Draft came and went on Friday. It was expected to be an interesting time for the Oakland A’s, as seven of their top 30 prospects were eligible to be selected. The A’s had some difficult decisions to make.

In the end, they have added three players to their 40 man roster. Pitchers Miguel Romero and Wandisson Charles, along with outfielder Greg Deichmann, have been added to the roster, leaving their 40 man roster at 35 players.

The A’s are already familiar with all three players, as they were a part of the 60 man roster this past season. It is possible that familiarity gave them a leg up on any competition for those roster spots.

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Out of that trio, Romero is the most likely to make an impact upon the A’s in 2021. He has a high octane fastball and the type of fearlessness that teams covet in the back of the bullpen, but also has command issues. The 26 year old Cuban has a 4.13 ERA and a 1.322 WHiP in his 163.1 minor league innings, striking out 189 batters with 64 walks.

Charles, another reliever, could potentially play a role late in 2021, but 2022 seems to be a more likely target. He has just nine games of experience above A ball, and while he may be an intriguing arm, needs more seasoning and to improve his control. Charles has posted a 4.28 ERA and a 1.620 WHiP in his 170.1 innings, striking out 226 batters with 150 walks.

A second round pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, Deichmann is another intriguing player with holes in his game. He has displayed solid power potential, but has issues making consistent contact, has battled injuries, and there are questions as to his future position on the diamond. In his 763 minor league plate appearances, he has posted a .232/.320/.426 batting line, hitting 26 homers and 36 doubles with 23 steals. While he has drawn 84 walks, Deichmann has also struck out 214 times.

Next. Three players that need to step up in 2021. dark

The Oakland A’s have made their moves, protecting three players ahead of the deadline. With five open spots on the 40 man roster, it will be interesting to see what other moves they will make going forward.