3 prospects that disappointed thus far for Oakland A’s
This is the perfect opportunity for a prospect in the Oakland A’s system. With the team in the midst of their rebuilding process, it is a chance for minor leaguers to get the attention of the front office. Openings are there for players that show that they deserve them, even if it may take a couple of years for them to progress to the majors.
At the same time, that puts these performances under a microscope. The front office is going to be paying attention, noticing those who perform beyond expectations. The same can be said for those prospects that disappoint as their lack of production and development will be noticed as well.
Three prospects that disappointed thus far for Oakland A’s
It is difficult to put too much stock in just one month. Players are adjusting to a new level and still getting acclimated. But those performances are worth paying attention to, especially if those players had struggled in the past.
There are always going to be players that struggle to begin the season. Let’s take a look at three prospects that are disappointing thus far for the Oakland A’s.
Tyler Soderstrom
Tyler Soderstrom hit the ground running for the Oakland A’s in 2021 and almost never stopped. Injuries were the only thing to hold him back and he dominated in Low-A ball.
Given his performance in 2021, similar production was expected this season. Although Soderstrom was being moved up to High-A and would be extremely young for the level, the bat was still expected to impress.
That has not been the case thus far. He has produced a disappointing .159/.232/.318 batting line in his 69 April plate appearances, hitting two homers and four doubles. However, the biggest disappointment has been his inability to make contact, as he has struck out 23 times thus far.
Obviously, it is far too early to be concerned about Soderstrom. His track record and impressive showing in Low-A indicates that he will make the adjustments needed to return to form. This is likely nothing more than a blip on the radar, something that will be looked back upon as a learning moment.
Tyler Soderstrom hit the ground running last season. While his slow start is not a cause for alarm, it is still disappointing.
Robert Puason
Robert Puason had been considered the second best international prospect when he was signed by the Oakland A’s. Jasson Dominguez was the only other player in that signing period to receive a bonus of $5 million or more, speaking volumes about the type of player that Puason was supposed to be.
But Puason has yet to show that he can be that player. His professional debut in 2021 was an abject disappointment, leading to his being sent back to Low-A to begin the 2022 campaign. The hope was that, although he was still young for the level, the repetition would help get him on track and allow him to start to tap into his immense potential.
Instead, he has been even worse to start the 2022 season. Puason posted a miserable .210/.269/.210 batting line in his 67 plate appearances in April, striking out 23 times with four walks. His .478 OPS is actually 96 points worse than his showing last season.
There is still time for Puason to develop into a solid piece for the A’s. He is just 19 years old after all, and did have his professional debut held back due to the pandemic. Nonetheless, there will come a time where the A’s will need to see some semblance of progress. Otherwise, he may turn out to be another high priced disappointment.
Robert Puason was supposed to be a key part of the Oakland A’s future. Instead, he needs to find himself in the present.
Wandisson Charles
One had to expect some rust from Wandisson Charles. He had not pitched in an affiliated game since 2019 as the pandemic and injuries wiped out the previous two seasons. However, he had looked healthy during his stint in winter ball, leading to the hope that he could move quickly through the Oakland A’s system and find his way into the major league bullpen this season.
But that involved Charles finding success during the minor league season. He absolutely has not done that, posting a horrendous 21.94 ERA and a 3.563 WHiP in his 5.1 innings. While he has struck out five batters, he has also issued nine walks, hit a batter, and uncorked a wild pitch.
Charles, even at his best, is not a control mavin. There are plenty of questions about his ability to command his arsenal, as impressive as it may be. His upper 90s fastball is easily his greatest attribute, but his slider could be a major league average offering if he can improve his command.
Ultimately, that will decide Charles’ fate. He may have impressive stuff and the type of arm that can make an impact, but he has to get the ball over the plate. That is going to be his biggest challenge, and one that he will need to prove he can overcome.
Next. 3 prospects who impressed in April. dark
Wandisson Charles has been a disaster to start the season. The Oakland A’s have to hope that he can right the ship and find his form once more.