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Tyler Soderstrom just missed top 100 prospect list

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 19: Detail view of third base with face plate logos sits in the late afternoon light before the game between the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants at the McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California on May 19, 2007. The Athletics defeated the Giants 4-2. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 19: Detail view of third base with face plate logos sits in the late afternoon light before the game between the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants at the McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California on May 19, 2007. The Athletics defeated the Giants 4-2. (Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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The Oakland A’s found themselves in an unenviable spot last week. They were the only franchise to be without a top 100 prospect according to MLB.com. As a team that requires a strong farm system to be able to contend year in and year out, it was certainly not a distinction that the organization would want.

That does not mean that the A’s are devoid of talent. In fact, they have several intriguing prospects at the top of their farm system, although their top players may be years away. One of those prospects, Tyler Soderstrom, just missed making the cut for the top 100 list.

Tyler Soderstrom could crack that list by midseason

Considered to be the top high school catcher in the 2020 MLB Draft, Soderstrom surprisingly fell to the A’s with the 26th overall selection. Oakland made certain that he would not suffer for his fall down the draft, signing Soderstrom to a $3.3 million bonus, well over the expected slot.

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It is easy to see why the A’s would have a high opinion of Soderstrom. Despite his youth, he is considered to be a polished hitter with an advanced approach at the plate, leading to the belief that he will develop into an excellent hitter that can develop plenty of power as he continues to mature.

The reason why he was not included in the top 100 list is his defense. Although Soderstrom is athletic and has a strong arm, he is still very raw behind the plate. His ability to block pitches in the dirt needs work, and he needs to improve in the finer points of the position. But that is expected to occur in time.

Should Soderstrom’s defense improve as the A’s hope, he could easily find himself amongst the top 100 prospects. That could happen as soon as midseason, especially if he was able to make strides during his time in the A’s alternative training site.

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The Oakland A’s do not have top 100 prospect as of this point. But Tyler Soderstrom could change that by midseason.