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3 prospects Oakland A’s need to promote to majors

By David Hill |
Jul 16, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; American League Futures catcher Shea Langeliers (33) hits a solo home run in the fourth inning of the All Star-Futures Game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 16, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; American League Futures catcher Shea Langeliers (33) hits a solo home run in the fourth inning of the All Star-Futures Game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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The Oakland A’s are not going anywhere any time soon.

That has been clear this season, as the A’s have struggled to find viable major league talent. In total, 52 players have seen major league action with the A’s this season, with 26 position players and 26 pitchers getting on the diamond. Of those, few have given any hope that the A’s will have something to build around.

Three prospects for Oakland A’s to look at

But there is still plenty of talent in the minors. Various trades, both during the offseason and at the deadline, have injected talent into a virtually barren farm system. While there has been a revolving door between the majors and Triple-A, few of those top prospects have gotten a look. That should change in the coming days, as the A’s use the final weeks of the season to evaluate different players to see if they can be a part of the future core.

The Oakland A’s need to see what they have with some of their top prospects. Let’s take a look at three options that should be promoted to the majors.

Shea Langeliers

It is really a matter of time before Shea Langeliers gets his chance. That time could come as early as this week.

Oakland A’s general manager David Forst already said that the team was looking forward to seeing what Langeliers can do at the major league level. Not only does he expect that debut to happen this year, but that the A’s want to see Langeliers get some major league plate appearances and time behind the dish.

As it is, Langeliers does not have much left to prove in the minors. He has followed his breakout 2021 campaign with a strong .283/.366/.510 batting line in his 402 plate appearances in Las Vegas, hitting 19 homers and 19 doubles. The A’s top prospect has certainly lived up to his billing.

It should also be easy enough to find a place on the major league roster for Langeliers. Stephen Vogt may be a respected veteran presence, but he is not part of the A’s future. As they have already let another disappointing veteran in Jed Lowrie go, it is a matter of time before others follow.

Shea Langeliers’ time in the majors is coming. That time could be sooner than we think.

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Ken Waldichuk

The Oakland A’s had a dearth of potential top of the rotation arms in their system. That is, until they acquired Ken Waldichuk as the headliner in the Frankie Montas trade.

Waldichuk has gone from somewhat of an afterthought to being one of the top pitching prospects in the game. He has gotten results at every level, relying on his plus fastball and improved slider while mixing in a decent change and curve.

After a rough debut in the A’s system, he showed that potential on Friday. He allowed just one run on six hits and a walk over five innings, striking out three as he threw 73 pitches. It may not have necessarily been a dominant performance, but it was a drastic improvement. The fact that he was able to adjust to the more offensively charged Pacific Coast League and allow just that one run is notable.

As it stands, Waldichuk is easily the A’s best pitching prospect. He is the only pitcher they have that is considered to have the potential to be a top of the rotation arm, something that is desperately needed in Oakland. Although he needs to be added to the 40 man roster, there are enough mediocre arms currently in the A’s system where jettisoning one of them would not be an issue to add Waldichuk and let him get a look in the majors.

Ken Waldichuk is easily the best pitcher in the Oakland A’s system. It is time that he gets a look at the majors.

Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Garrett Acton

Garrett Acton may not attract much attention in the Oakland A’s system, but he is proving that he deserves a chance.

An undrafted free agent in 2020, Acton has swiftly moved through the ranks as he has emerged as one of the better bullpen prospects in the organization. He has posted a solid 3.84 ERA and a 1.244 WHiP in his 105.1 innings, striking out 161 batters with just 38 walks. Considering that production, it is not a surprise that Acton has gone from A-Ball to Triple-A within two seasons.

Acton has the type of stuff that can succeed at the major league level. His upper 90s fastball is a plus offering and is typically paired with a slider that has plus potential as well. He does also have the vestiges of a changeup but it is far behind his other offerings. However, it could be useful against lefties or to flash occasionally as it continues to develop.

At this point, the A’s have no reason not to give him a look for the rest of the season. Their bullpen has been a revolving door of Quad-A players and anything with a pulse that they can find. Acton may not be a top prospect, but he is someone that could solidify a horrendous A’s bullpen.

Next. Susac hits first professional homer. dark

The Oakland A’s need to find pieces in their bullpen. Garrett Acton could be a part of the solution.

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