3 biggest surprises in Oakland A’s farm system
The Oakland A’s future rests upon its farm system. While this has been true over the years, that is especially the case now. With the rebuild firmly underway, and the A’s looking to contend a couple of years down the line, potentially identifying those parts for the future core in the minors can make a difference.
Although the minor league season has completed its first month, the A’s have several players that have stood out. In some cases, this first month has been a coming out party. For others, it has been a matter of showing that those performances in 2021 were not a fluke.
Three prospects impressing in Oakland A’s system
This is the perfect time for players to impress in the Oakland A’s farm system. Let’s look at three prospects who are doing just that.
Shea Langeliers
It was not that long ago that Shea Langeliers received his own write-up. He had started off the season on fire, showing that his solid 2021 campaign could have been that offensive breakout prospect hounds were waiting for.
His performance in 2022 is showing that last season may have been the tip of the iceberg. Langeliers is crushing the ball thus far in Triple-A, having produced a .301/.407/.712 batting line with nine homers in his 86 plate appearances. He has also been solid defensively, throwing out 32% of would-be basestealers thus far.
Langeliers’ production puts the A’s in a difficult, albeit solid, position. Sean Murphy is currently their primary catcher, with his ability to hit the ball hard and Gold Glove defense both assets. Tyler Soderstrom is considered the catcher of the future, someone whose bat could push him through the system quickly.
But Langeliers is forcing his way into that future conversation as more than a glove first backup. His power has continued to develop and he is showing a better approach at the plate. As Murphy has already been floated in trade rumors, and there have been concerns that Soderstrom could move from behind the plate, Langeliers could find himself in a position to be a major part of the A’s future.
He is certainly doing his part to prove himself thus far. Shea Langeliers’ hot start is forcing a change in how the Oakland A’s catcher situation is viewed.
Logan Davidson
The Oakland A’s were aggressive with Logan Davidson in 2021, assigning him to Double-A despite having 54 games of professional experience. His showing in the alternate camp during the pandemic led them to feel that he was ready for the challenge and could begin his fast track to the majors.
Instead, Davidson fell flat on his face. He posted a miserable .212/.307/.313 batting line in his 515 plate appearances, hitting 22 doubles and seven homers. Although he drew 66 walks, Davidson struck out 155 times, leading to his falling down the A’s prospect lists as people began to wonder if he could perform at the upper levels.
That made the 2022 season all the more important. He was back in Double-A, looking to show that his miserable performance last year was nothing to be concerned about. Davidson is doing just that so far, producing a .328/.369/.569 batting line in his 65 plate appearances, hitting five doubles and three homers. He has improved his approach as well, drawing five walks, but only striking out 12 times.
The A’s are continuing to have Davidson get looks at other positions. He has spent time at second, third, and short as they look to turn him into a super utility option. But it all comes down to his bat; if he can hit enough to justify a roster spot, the A’s will be able to find a place for him.
Logan Davidson was a major question mark heading into 2022. His production is starting to quiet some of those whispers.
David Leal
David Leal is not the type of player that is going to show up on top prospect lists. However, the Oakland A’s have never worried about those rankings and are far more focused on results.
That is where Leal has a chance. He is old for his level, as he is 25 years old in High-A. He does not have great stuff, with a fastball that could barely dent a fender. But none of that matters as long as he puts up the numbers.
He is certainly doing that. Armed with an excellent changeup and impeccable command, Leal has allowed just five runs, four earned, on ten hits and a walk over his 15.2 innings, striking out 18 batters. He has also been used in several roles, starting two games and finishing a third for the Lansing Lugnuts.
Chances are, he will get a promotion to Double-A soon, especially if he continues to produce at this level. As the A’s are looking for arms that could make a difference at the major league level, regardless of pedigree, Leal has a chance to turn some heads if he can continue to perform the way he has thus far.
Kaval needs to focus on important issues. dark. Next
David Leal is never going to be considered a top prospect. That does not mean that his performance should be overlooked.