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Jordan Diaz changing Oakland A’s plans for future

By David Hill

MAZATLAN, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 02: Jordan Diaz of Los Caimanes de Barranquilla of Colombia celebrates after safely reaching second base in the second inning during the game between Colombia and Venezuela as part of Serie del Caribe 2021 at Teodoro Mariscal Stadium on February 2, 2021 in Mazatlan, Mexico. (Photo by Luis Gutierrez/Norte Photo/Getty Images)
MAZATLAN, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 02: Jordan Diaz of Los Caimanes de Barranquilla of Colombia celebrates after safely reaching second base in the second inning during the game between Colombia and Venezuela as part of Serie del Caribe 2021 at Teodoro Mariscal Stadium on February 2, 2021 in Mazatlan, Mexico. (Photo by Luis Gutierrez/Norte Photo/Getty Images) /
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Several pieces appeared to be in place for the Oakland A’s future. Shea Langeliers and Tyler Soderstrom were the long term answers behind the plate. Nick Allen would be the defensive marvel at short. Zack Gelof may be the long term answer at third, a player whose overall game could make him a star. Jordan Diaz could be added to that list.

The A’s have been patient with Diaz, bringing him along slowly through their system. He has intrigued with his ability to make contact and hit to all fields, with the A’s hoping that he would develop more power as he continued to grow.

Jordan Diaz making case to be part of Oakland A’s future core

The 2021 season appeared to be that breakout that the A’s were waiting on. He produced a .288/.337/.484 batting line with 13 homers and 24 doubles in his 365 plate appearances, setting career bests in batting average, slugging percentage, doubles, homers, RBI, and runs scored. That performance was enough for the A’s to put Diaz on the 40 man roster this offseason.

It turned out that 2021 was just a precursor of things to come. This year, Diaz has taken yet another step forward, putting together a .299/.351/.545 batting line in his 148 plate appearances at Double-A. Not only has the power continued to develop with six homers and 15 doubles, but he has also drawn ten walks while striking out only 21 times.

The biggest question with Diaz was his future home on the diamond. He had primarily played at third, but there were questions as to whether or not he would end up in left or at first due to concentration lapses. The problem with moving Diaz to first was whether or not he would hit enough to justify such a move.

That question appears as though it has been answered. Diaz is starting to show the type of power expected from a first baseman, making such a move much more probable. The A’s appear to feel that way as well as 17 of his 20 appearances on defense have come at first.

Next. A's add third player to top 100 prospect list. dark

Jordan Diaz is showing his progress from 2021 was not a fluke. With his emerging power, the Oakland A’s may have their future answer at first base.