Oakland A’s top 10 prospects for 2022
By David Hill
8. Jordan Diaz
Jordan Diaz has always been able to make contact and has an excellent glove at third. The question was whether or not he would actually hit enough to be a future starter at the major league level. He started to answer that question with a strong showing at High-A last year, posting a solid .288/.337/.483 batting line in his 365 plate appearances, hitting a career best 13 homers and 24 doubles.
His free swinging ways and limited range at third currently limit his potential. While Diaz gets around his range issues with an impressive ability to position himself, he will need to improve his plate discipline to take that next step in his development. Otherwise, he could be exposed at the higher levels.
7. Jeff Criswell
Jeff Criswell is difficult to project based on his professional showing. A second round draft pick in 2020, his professional debut was delayed due to the pandemic and he missed a large chunk of the 2021 campaign with elbow inflammation. When he did pitch, he allowed six runs on nine hits and four walks over 12 innings, striking out 12 batters.
His biggest question has been his command, as he walked 4.3 batters per nine in college. If he can throw more strikes, Criswell has a three pitch arsenal that should allow him to be a solid middle of the rotation starter. But that is the question he will need to answer in the coming years, provided his elbow issues do not turn into anything worse.