3 prospects Oakland A’s need to promote to majors

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.