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Jordan Diaz getting brief trial run with Oakland A’s

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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Jordan Diaz had already turned heads during this season.

The Oakland A’s first baseman had already been named as their most improved prospect by MLB.com, building off of his breakout 2021 showing with an even better season this year. His strong performance led to his first taste of Triple-A with the expectation that he could vie for a major league role at some time in 2023.

Jordan Diaz getting chance to make impression on Oakland A’s

As it turns out, he will get that chance earlier than expected. According to Daniel Alvarez-Montes from El Extrabase, Diaz is being promoted to the majors for the final few weeks of the season.

Diaz certainly deserves this opportunity. He has posted an excellent .326/.366/.515 batting line in his 527 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting 19 homers and 34 doubles. There is some concern with his approach as he has just 28 walks, but his impressive ability to make contact has led to just 76 strikeouts on the season.

There will be an opening at first base moving forward. Seth Brown is the incumbent, but he can also play in right. Considering that the A’s are going to need help in the outfield going forward, it would not be a surprise to see Brown shift to the grass more frequently. Dermis Garcia is also a possibility at first, and while he has tremendous power, he is also prone to striking out in bunches and may be a better fit as a designated hitter.

With just 16 games left in the season, there is not much time for Diaz to make an impression. However, if he can continue to make contact and show some of that power he displayed over the past couple of seasons, he could set himself up for an inside track at a starting role in 2023.

Eight prospects heading to AFL. dark. Next

The Oakland A’s are looking for building blocks for their next contending team. Jordan Diaz is getting a chance to prove that he can be an option.