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3 prospects that could debut with Oakland A’s in 2023

By David Hill |
AMARILLO, TEXAS - APRIL 08: Infielder Zack Gelof #18 of the Midland RockHounds high fives manager Bobby Crosby #7 after hitting a home run during the game against the Amarillo Sod Poodles at HODGETOWN Stadium on April 08, 2022 in Amarillo, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
AMARILLO, TEXAS - APRIL 08: Infielder Zack Gelof #18 of the Midland RockHounds high fives manager Bobby Crosby #7 after hitting a home run during the game against the Amarillo Sod Poodles at HODGETOWN Stadium on April 08, 2022 in Amarillo, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
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The Oakland A’s are only going to go as far as their prospects will take them.

That is going to be the case for the near future at the very least. Payroll has been slashed to laughable levels. As it is, the A’s do not have a single player with a guaranteed salary for 2023. Even then, several players that have entered arbitration are likely to be traded or let go.

Three possible debuts for Oakland A’s in 2023

This will mean that many more players get a look next year. As it was, 64 players appeared in at least one game in 2022, a number that the 2023 roster may approach. Prospects are going to get their chances, as are players who have spent their careers as minor league filler. Quad-A players will get a chance to show that they can be a part of the answer. And in some cases, the A’s might even be able to find pieces for their future core.

The Oakland A’s are going to give plenty of players a look in 2023. Let’s check out three prospects likely to debut in the coming year.

Zack Gelof

If not for injuries, it was possible that Zack Gelof would have made his Oakland A’s debut in 2022.

He had torn the labrum in his non throwing shoulder, missing approximately a month and a half as he recovered. That was the only thing slowing his bat down as Gelof was hitting well at Double-A, a promotion to Las Vegas seemingly inevitable. As it was, he got another brief stint in Triple-A at the end of the season, making Las Vegas his likely home to begin the 2023 campaign.

It may not take long before Gelof makes his major league debut. He had posted a .270/.352/.463 batting line in his 440 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting 18 homers and 17 doubles while stealing ten bases. Gelof is giving every indication of being a solid all around option, someone who may outperform his scouting reports.

He has also expanded his defensive repertoire, helping to accelerate that timeline. Gelof saw action at second base for the first time in his professional career, getting 62 games at the keystone. As second and third both have openings, he will get chances to prove that he is the answer.

Zack Gelof is going to be a key part of the Oakland A’s future. His time could come early in 2023.

(Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
(Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

Kyle McCann

The Oakland A’s have plenty of catching prospects. Between Shea Langeliers, Tyler Soderstrom, and Daniel Susac, the position is covered well into the future.

That focus on catching has also led to other prospects being lost in the shuffle. Kyle McCann is a solid prospect in his own right, but is completely overlooked due to the other players at the position.

However, he has displayed the potential to be a part of the A’s future as well. He produced a solid .234/.338/.444 batting line in his 458 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting 21 homers and 20 doubles. His power potential will certainly get him a look.

McCann has also worked on his versatility. He has seen time behind the plate and at first base during his minor league career, but also got a start at third in Double-A. While he made an error in his only chance at the hot corner in his nine innings, it is possible that he gets more time at third during spring training and in the minors. If he takes well to the position, he could end up in the majors as an interesting utility option, someone that can handle either corner infield spots while getting time behind the plate. Even if that is not the case, his power gives him the potential to carve out a spot as the A’s backup catcher.

Kyle McCann has been overlooked given the Oakland A’s other catching prospects. He can still be a part of the A’s future.

Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /

Jeff Criswell

Injuries delayed Jeff Crisell’s debut in the Oakland A’s system. He did his best to make up for lost time in 2022.

Criswell ended up pitching at three different levels last season, moving quickly through the system as he looked to solidify his stature as a piece of the A’s future. His numbers may not be overly impressive, as Criswell posted a 4.03 ERA and a 1.293 WHiP in his 118.1 innings, but he displayed an ability to miss bats with 119 strikeouts while issuing just 45 walks. The most important stat, at least as far as the A’s were concerned, were his 118.1 innings as that marked a career high.

Chances are, Criswell will begin the 2023 season in Triple-A. The A’s are going to want him to refine his delivery and to improve upon his performance last season. However, considering he has a solid four pitch mix topped by a plus fastball that sits in the mid 90s. It is a matter of getting those innings and refining his delivery.

Likewise, the A’s are going to have plenty of openings in their pitching staff. A strong showing in Triple-A will lead to Criswell getting a look. Even if he is reasonably decent, he could get that chance considering how many holes the A’s have in their rotation.

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Which Oakland A’s prospects are you looking forward to seeing debut next year? Let us know in the comments.

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