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Tyler Soderstrom makes Fangraphs Top 100 prospect list

By David Hill

(6/4/21) Stockton Ports' Tyler Soderstrom hits a pop fly during a California League baseball game against the Lake Elsinore Storm at the Stockton Ballpark in downtown Stockton.Portsvsstorm 053a
(6/4/21) Stockton Ports' Tyler Soderstrom hits a pop fly during a California League baseball game against the Lake Elsinore Storm at the Stockton Ballpark in downtown Stockton.Portsvsstorm 053a /
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Tyler Soderstrom is easily the jewel of the Oakland A’s farm system. The 26th overall selection in the 2020 MLB Draft impressed during his time in the alternate training site that year, and carried that momentum into his first professional season. Although that season was cut short by injury, Soderstrom showed that he could be a key part of the A’s future.

That performance has certainly garnered plenty of attention. Soderstrom has been considered the A’s best prospect and has been the only player to feature prominently in top prospect lists. Fangraphs continued that streak when they announced their own top prospects, as Soderstrom was the only member of the A’s system to make the list.

Tyler Soderstrom only member of Oakland A’s on Fangraphs Top 100 prospects

Soderstrom was considered to be a bat first prospect when he was drafted, capable of hitting the ball hard to all fields. He proved that to be the case as he produced a .306/.390/.568 batting line in his 254 plate appearances, hitting 12 homers and 20 doubles for the Stockton Ports. That performance makes it easy to imagine that he would move through the A’s system quickly.

His bat has led to some questions as to his future role. As Soderstrom is still raw behind the plate, there were teams that were looking to move him to the outfield or a corner infield spot if they had drafted him due to his athleticism. The A’s also gave him nine games at first as well during his time in Stockton, although that could be a way to limit the wear and tear of the position while keeping his bat in the lineup.

But Soderstrom has been working hard on his capabilities behind the plate. His pop time has improved, as has his footwork. He still needs more experience calling a game and has to get better at blocking pitches, but he appears to be on his way to sticking at catcher. While that will slow his arrival to the majors, it also makes him much more valuable as a prospect.

Next. A's top ten prospects for 2022. dark

Tyler Soderstrom is considered to be the crown jewel of the Oakland A’s system. He was the only member of the organization to make Fangraphs top 100 prospects.