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Tyler Soderstrom considered Oakland A’s next star

By David Hill

ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 28: A general view of hats and gloves is seen on the steps of the Oakland Athletics dugout during the seventh inning of MLB game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 28, 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Athletics 3-1. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 28: A general view of hats and gloves is seen on the steps of the Oakland Athletics dugout during the seventh inning of MLB game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 28, 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Athletics 3-1. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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There is always a degree of faith when it comes to projecting minor league players. While we can look at the tools and overall statistics, there is no way to truly know that a player will be able to succeed at the major league level. That is especially the case when a player has yet to actually appear in a minor league game, as is the case with Oakland A’s prospect Tyler Soderstrom.

But that does not mean that we cannot dream on these prospects. If they are able to live up to their potential, these players could be future stars. In fact, MLB.com projects Soderstrom to be someone who could be a star for the A’s by 2023.

Plenty of hope surrounds Oakland A’s prospect Tyler Soderstrom

It is easy to see why there would be this much hope around Soderstrom. Despite being selected out of high school, he is considered to have an advanced approach at the plate, making excellent contact and using the entire field. He should grow into more power as his body develops, especially given his overall athleticism.

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However, there are questions as to his future role on the A’s. He is raw behind the plate, and while he has a strong arm, Soderstrom will be a project defensively. He is quite raw in regards to calling a game and blocking pitches in the dirt, but his work ethic should allow for improvement. That is, provided he remains behind the plate.

The biggest question with Soderstrom’s future comes from Sean Murphy. He is already a burgeoning star behind the plate, a Gold Glove caliber catcher with power and plenty of potential with the bat. Even if Soderstrom is ready by 2023, Murphy will still have plenty of team control left.

It is possible that Soderstrom’s future will be at another position. He has the arm and athleticism to play at third, and Matt Chapman will be closer to free agency by that point. Soderstrom may also have the bat to slot into a corner outfield role as well.

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Regardless of his future position, Tyler Soderstrom is expected to be a star for the Oakland A’s. That time could happen as soon as 2023.