Tyler Soderstrom proving Oakland A’s have elite prospect talent

The Oakland A’s minor league system was considered almost barren. After the promotions of several top prospects, and other players suffering from injury issues, the A’s farm system had fallen to the bottom five of the rankings. They only had one player who was considered to be a top 100 prospect by any source – catcher Tyler Soderstrom.

Even that ranking was a projection. The A’s first round pick in 2020 had yet to officially make his professional debut as he spent the summer at the alternative site due to the pandemic. Although he received plenty of coaching and made a strong impression, he still needed to prove himself during game action.

Tyler Soderstrom proving to be elite prospect

He has certainly done that in his first minor league season. He has been a force with the bat for the Stockton Ports, producing a stellar .320/.403/.584 batting line in his 226 plate appearances entering Wednesday, hitting ten homers and 20 doubles. Soderstrom had been considered a bat first catcher when he was drafted, and has done nothing to change that perception.

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As strong of a start as he has had in Stockton, a promotion to the next level is not likely to happen this year. His defense is still a work in progress, as he is still extremely raw in blocking pitches and calling a game. Those deficiencies are also evident on the stat sheet, as he has allowed 13 passed balls and thrown out just 22% of would be basestealers despite having a strong throwing arm.

Questions about Soderstrom’s defense may hound him for the beginning part of his professional journey. He is expected to move to a corner infield position, but he does have the athleticism and raw skills one wants behind the plate. It is just a matter of his continuing to develop as the A’s bring up slowly up the ladder.

Nonetheless, Soderstrom is showing to be even more impressive than anyone outside of the A’s organization had initially expected. His excellent production is drawing a great deal of attention as he is proving to be one of the better catching prospects in the game. If his defense can become at least passable, Soderstrom has a chance to be a star as a catcher.

Tyler Soderstrom is beginning to rocket up the prospect rankings. With his impressive start to his professional career, the sky is the limit.