Oakland A’s: 3 under the radar prospects impressing thus far
It is easy to look at a team’s minor league affiliates and pluck out the top prospects. Those players are expected to impress, to put together seasons worthy of their stature on the prospect ranks. Such is the case with the Oakland A’s and the likes of Tyler Soderstrom, Nick Allen, and Daulton Jefferies.
But for most teams, those players that do not generate as much attention as the top prospects are equally important. Those are the players who slide under the radar for whatever reason, but end up being solid contributors at the major league level. While top prospects can bust, those unheralded players can end up being the lifeblood of the organization.
Three under the radar prospect impressing for Oakland A’s
That is the case with the A’s as well. While they rely upon their top prospects to develop as expected and contribute at the major league level, those unheralded prospects can make a major difference in their fortunes. The A’s are not going to spend much on free agents to fill holes on the roster, making those players all the more important.
With the minor league season having completed its first month, let us take a look at three under the radar prospects impressing in the Oakland A’s system.
Zach Jackson
As a 26 year old in Double-A ball, Zach Jackson is not going to attract much attention. That is, until one looks at his performance thus far.
Jackson was originally a third round pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2016 MLB Draft. Although he was a reliever in college, the Blue Jays considered converting him into a starter before scrapping that plan. He had put together solid enough numbers, reaching Triple-A in 2019 before being selected by the A’s.
Currently in Double-A, Jackson has been utterly dominant. He has allowed just two unearned runs on three hits and five walks over his 14 innings, striking out 29 batters. Not only does it seem inevitable that he will be promoted to Triple-A at some point in the near future, but he could make his major league debut in the next year.
Possessing an upper 90s fastball and a hard breaking ball, Jackson has not had a problem missing bats over his career. His biggest issue has been his command, but that has improved this season – his 3.2 BB/9 rate is the best of his professional career. If those improvements continue, he should be viewed as a legitimate relief prospect.
Zach Jackson has been dominant for the Oakland A’s in Double-A. It is time to start paying attention.
Devin Foyle
Devin Foyle is getting his first taste of action in Double-A this year. Thus far, the Oakland A’s outfielder has not been intimidated.
A 17th round selection in the 2018 MLB Draft, Foyle has quickly risen through the A’s system. Despite a somewhat mediocre showing at A-ball in 2019, he advanced past High-A this year, impressing the team with his showing during the minor league portion of spring training.
That faith has been rewarded with his production. He has put together an impressive .339/.409/.644 batting line in his 66 plate appearances, hitting four homers and three triples while stealing two bases. His 1.053 OPS trails only Skye Bolt amongst minor league players as he has taken a major step forward this year.
Foyle was not highly thought of entering 2021, considered to be “just another guy” in the Oakland A’s system. However, the switch hitting outfielder may be more than just a fourth or fifth outfielder at the major league level. His performance thus far in 2021 leads to the hope that he can not just crack a major league roster, but potentially be a solid contributor as well.
Devin Foyle has been one of the biggest surprises in the Oakland A’s system this year. If this continues, he may be building a future with the organization.
Max Schuemann
If there is one position that the Oakland A’s are well stocked at in their farm system, it is shortstop. With Nick Allen, Logan Davidson, and Robert Puason all considered top prospects, it is difficult to stand out at the position.
Max Schuemann is finding a way to do just that. A 20th round selection in the 2018 MLB Draft, he has slowly climbed the ladder, advancing exactly one step each year he has been in the A’s system.
This year, he finds himself in High-A, where he has been a sparkplug for the Lansing Lugnuts. Schuemann has posted a .281/.426/.494 batting line in 115 plate appearances, hitting eight doubles and three homers while stealing 19 bases. He has demonstrated solid on base and contact skills, with 15 walks and 24 strikeouts thus far.
Schuemann may not be the A’s future at short, but he could fill a utility role moving forward. He has spent time around the infield and in both corner outfield positions, showing the defensive versatility that the A’s value. Even if he is not a starting caliber player, he could end up as a super utility man going forward.
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Max Schuemann has emerged as an excellent on base option in the Oakland A’s system. His emerging power and excellent speed could lead to a major league future.