Oakland A's land two top ten first base prospects

If the MLB.com top prospect list for first base can be believed, the Oakland A’s have a bright future at the position.

According to MLB.com, the A’s have two of the top ten prospects in the game at first base. Tyler Soderstrom is considered the second best prospect at the position while Jordan Diaz is ranked fifth.

Oakland A’s have plenty of talent at first base

While Soderstrom being included on one of these lists is not a surprise, his being strictly on the first base prospect list is. The A’s are keeping him behind the plate while giving him time at first, with Soderstrom making 52 appearances as a catcher and 59 as a first baseman last season.

He performed well regardless of the position. Soderstrom produced a .267/.324/.501 batting line in his 556 plate appearances across three levels, hitting 29 homers and 21 doubles. If he starts seeing more time at first next season, it is entirely possible that he will make his major league debut next year.

Diaz made his major league debut last year; interestingly enough, most of his appearances for the A’s were at second base. However, he is expected to stay at first base as his primary defensive home. He has also spent time at third early in his minor league career, although defensive lapses necessitated that move across the diamond.

He showed the offensive capability to stick at first or slot in as a potential designated hitter due to his defensive limitations. Diaz produced a .326/.366/.515 batting line between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting 19 homers and 34 doubles. That production will certainly play in the majors, and with the A’s needing players that can produce, Diaz could get a long look in 2023.

The future is bright for the Oakland A’s at one position at least. They are considered to have two of the top ten prospects at first base.