Tyler Soderstrom already one step away from Oakland A’s
Tyler Soderstrom has rocketed through the Oakland A’s system this season. Now he is just one step away from the majors.
The A’s prospect had started the season in High-A before a midseason promotion to Double-A. Now, after an impressive showing in Midland, he is getting one more boost as he has been promoted to the Las Vegas Aviators to make his Triple-A debut.
Tyler Soderstrom getting ever closer to Oakland A’s debut
Soderstrom certainly deserves this opportunity. He has posted a combined .265/.324/.509 batting line with 28 homers and 20 doubles in his 518 plate appearances between High-A and Double-A this season. While he remains a work in progress behind the plate, having thrown out just 18% of would-be base stealers, his bat is ready for the next challenge.
It is worth noting that Soderstrom has seen much more time at first base this season. While he has 47 games behind the plate, he has made 56 appearances at first this year after making just nine appearances there in 2021. He also has another 24 games as a designated hitter as the A’s have sought ways to keep his bat in the lineup as he progresses through the minors.
Soderstrom’s future could end up being at first base. Shea Langeliers proved that his breakout 2021 campaign was not a fluke and has emerged as the A’s catcher of the future. First base, meanwhile, is a question mark as the likes of Jordan Diaz and Dermis Garcia are looking to stake a claim to the position.
Neither Diaz nor Garcia offer the same overall offensive package that Soderstrom does. He has the blend of power and contact ability that combines the best attributes of that duo. The A’s are going to find a place for his bat somewhere in the lineup. If his time in Triple-A goes well, that first base job could end up being Soderstrom’s sometime in 2023.
Tyler Soderstrom is getting the call to Las Vegas for the rest of the year. His ascension to the Oakland A’s may not take too long next year.