Oakland A’s: Three international players to consider
The Oakland A’s have done a lot of work in the international prospect world, but have not really participated in the posting system. That may change this offseason.
Over the years, the Oakland A’s have been a presence in the international prospect community. Although they have a reputation for not spending money, they have added some impressive talent in the form of foreign prospects.
However, despite their willingness to spend on young talent, the A’s have not been much of a factor when it comes to players being posted from Nippon Professional Baseball or the Korean Baseball Organization. They had attempted to sign Hisashi Iwakuma after the 2010 season, but he turned down a four year deal worth $15.25 million to remain in Japan. Iwakuma then came stateside a year later to sign with the Mariners.
Despite their lack of success, or real emphasis on adding players that have been posted, there are several foreign players that the Oakland A’s should consider this offseason. Let us take a look at three of them.
Haruki Nishikawa
The Oakland A’s have a hole in the outfield and atop their lineup. Haruki Nishikawa could be the answer to both problems.
Nishikawa’s game is predicated by his ability to make contact and his excellent speed. He has led Nippon Professional Baseball in steals three times and won three Gold Gloves. Not only can he play all three outfield positions, but he also has experience at second as well, providing the A’s another player that could shift around the diamond as needed.
He could also solve the A’s problem of having players on base. While they were adept at hitting home runs last season, they were far too reliant on the longball, much to their detriment in the postseason.
Nishikawa could help that problem as well. He posted a lifetime .286/.382/.394 batting line in NPB, with 173 doubles, 51 homers, and 287 steals in his 4671 plate appearances, drawing 591 walks with just 854 strikeouts. Although there are questions as to whether or not he any more than a fourth outfielder in the majors, his profile is worth a look for the A’s.
The Oakland A’s could use a leadoff hitter and an outfielder. Haruki Nishikawa would solve both problems.
Ha-Seong Kim
Ha-Seong Kim is one of the more intriguing players available via the posting system, a 25 year old shortstop with the potential to be a five tool player.
His production in the Korean Baseball Organization was impressive. He posted a lifetime .294/.373/.493 batting line in his 3664 plate appearances, hitting 133 homers and stealing 134 bases. Kim would have been considered a top 100 prospect if he was stateside, fueling hope that he could be a 20-20 player in the future.
There are concerns with Kim, although that is more about the history of position players coming from the KBO. They have traditionally struggled with the better pitching in the majors, with Jung Ho Kang and his 5.5 bWAR as the high water mark. However, Kim’s youth and skillset is more than worth a look.
Even if he does not match those expectations, it is entirely possible that he could settle in as a player similar to Marcus Semien, filling out the stat sheet while providing better defense. More importantly for the A’s, Kim may cost less than Semien as he is a relatively unknown commodity.
Ha-Seong Kim would be a gamble for the Oakland A’s, but he is one that is worth taking.
Oscar Luis Colas
Oscar Luis Colas took a different route to become available, walking away from NPB until he was declared a free agent.
Called the Cuban Ohtani, Colas is considered to be one of the best prospects to come from the island in years. He has played professionally in both Cuba and Japan, showing impressive potential as a power hitting outfielder. Colas also fires a 95 MPH fastball, and while he has not pitched as much, has plenty of potential on the mound as well.
Colas is still a very raw prospect. Much of his time in Japan was spent in their minors, with just seven games with SoftBank. He will need time in the minors stateside, especially when it comes to his pitching, before he will be able to make an impact.
But that should not deter the A’s. They have been a significant force in the international prospect community over the years, and that should include pursuing Colas as well. If he can live up to his potential, the A’s could have an impact player both on the mound and in the lineup.
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The Oakland A’s have been very cognisant of watching their future. Oscar Luis Colas can be a major part of that.