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Drew Millas adds to Oakland A’s riches behind the plate

By David Hill

May 17, 2018; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Gloves and hats of the Oakland Athletics in the dugout during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Oakland defeated Toronto. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2018; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Gloves and hats of the Oakland Athletics in the dugout during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Oakland defeated Toronto. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland A’s have an abundance of riches behind the plate. Sean Murphy had been one of the top catching prospects prior to his ascension to the majors last season. His spot has been taken by 2020 first round pick Tyler Soderstrom, who is also rated as the A’s top prospect. Kyle McCann, another power hitting backstop, ranks 18th on the A’s top 30 prospect list, giving the team a solid collection of young catchers in their system.

That includes the player that just missed the top 30 prospect list. Catcher Drew Millas was named as the A’s player who just missed the cut, as Oakland narrowly missed out on having three catchers in their top 30.

Drew Millas another intriguing Oakland A’s catching prospect

A seventh round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, Millas has yet to make his professional debut. He posted a .277/.363/.409 batting line in his career at Missouri State, hitting 13 homers and 31 doubles in his 685 plate appearances, but drawing rave reviews for his defensive acumen.

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There is no question about his defense. Millas is quick and agile behind the plate, using that mobility well as an exceptional blocker and handler of pitches. He has a strong arm which allows him to control the running game well, especially as his agility helps with a quick release from behind the plate.

The question is whether or not Millas will hit. He showed limited pop in college, and it is fair to wonder whether or not that minimal power will manifest in the professional ranks, especially as he had just three doubles in 103 plate appearances in the wooden bat Cape Cod League. However, at just 23 years old, there is a chance that he will develop more with the bat as he goes through the A’s system.

Chances are, Millas will end up as a defensively oriented backup catcher, the type of player who hits just above .200 but lasts for a decade due to his prowess with the glove. That type of player can be valuable for a team, even if they do not impress statistically.

Next. Why the A's will win the West. dark

The Oakland A’s have plenty of solid young catchers in their ranks. If Drew Millas can develop with the bat, he could be their next intriguing prospect.