2017 Oakland Athletics Top 10 Prospects

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TOP 10 PROSPECTS
1. Franklin Barreto, ss
2. A.J. Puk, lhp
3. Matt Chapman, 3b
4. Jharel Cotton, rhp
5. Frankie Montas, rhp
6. Grant Holmes, rhp
7. Chad Pinder, ss
8. Daniel Gossett, rhp
9. Richie Martin, ss
10. Bruce Maxwell, c

The Athletics knew entering 2016 they were likely not going to contend in the tough American League West. However, the A’s expected to be competitive—that did not happen. Ace righthander Sonny Gray struggled, with no obvious culprit, and lefthander Rich Hill missed a month because of a blister, short-circuiting the rotation.

A lineup that has lacked power and explosiveness since the trade of Josh Donaldson to the Blue Jays never picked up steam and wound up ranking last in the AL in runs scored. (Two years ago, the A’s ranked third.) So when a promising 10-7 start turned into a 19-26 record in late May, it was time to start thinking about the future.

Under Billy Beane, the A’s are aggressive when it comes to turning the page. They packaged Hill and free agent-to-be outfielder Josh Reddick to the Dodgers for three righthanders in Jharel Cotton, Grant Holmes and Frankie Montas. The A’s have high expectations for all three, and Cotton reached the majors after the trade.

There were other promising developments in 2016 for Oakland. Lefthander Sean Manaea, acquired at the trade deadline from Kansas City in 2015 for Ben Zobrist, reached the majors and more than held his own, going 7-9, 3.86 with 124 strikeouts in 144.1 innings. Cotton, Manaea, Gray (unless he’s traded) and Kendall Graveman give the rotation a sturdy, young nucleus. While the club has options on the mound, it needs immediate offensive help and got some in the second half from Ryon Healy. While his defense at third base remains a question, Healy made his presence felt after he was recalled from Triple-A Nashville, winning AL rookie of the month for September. He could form an offensive core with shortstop Marcus Semien, who had a breakout season with 27 homers, and left fielder Khris Davis, who became the first Oakland player to hit 40 homers since Jason Giambi in 2000.

And there’s more on the way. Top prospect Franklin Barreto might not remain at shortstop, but he’ll hit his way to the majors, perhaps as soon as late in 2017. Slugging third baseman Matt Chapman ranked third in the minors in 2016 with 36 homers.

The system added depth with a draft class that focused on college arms, drafting former Gators roommates A.J. Puk and Logan Shore as well as Cal righthander Daulton Jefferies. Puk ranked No. 1 on the BA 500 before sliding to Oakland, while Jefferies and third-round catcher Sean Murphy fell due to spring injuries, so the class could have significant value.

On the international front, the Athletics were uncharacteristically aggressive, signing Cuban Lazaro Armenteros for $3 million, and giving seven-figure deals to shortstops Marcus Brito and Yerdel Vargas.

Who will still be in Oakland when some of those players graduate to the majors depends on which pieces Beane and his front office hold onto going forward.

1. Franklin Barreto, ss

Born: Feb. 27, 1996. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-9. Wt.: 175. Signed: Venezuela, 2012. Signed by: Ismael Cruz/Luis Marquez (Blue Jays)

SCOUTING GRADES

Batting: 60.

Power: 50.

Speed: 55.

Defense: 50.

Arm: 50.

Based on 20-80 scouting scale—where 50 represents major league average—and future projection rather than present tools.

Background: The Athletics were long enamored of Barreto. They scouted him at age 14 when he starred for Venezuela in the Pan Am Games. They and other teams regarded him as the top international prospect in 2012, and he signed with the Blue Jays for $1.45 million. When the A’s decided to move Josh Donaldson in the winter of 2014, they targeted Barreto as part of the exchange they sought from Toronto. Two years later, the Blue Jays have made consecutive trips to the playoffs with 2015 MVP Donaldson, while Barreto remains the key part of the deal for Oakland. Sean Nolin and Brett Lawrie have moved on, while Kendall Graveman led the big league club in innings and wins in 2016. The second-youngest player in the Texas League on Opening Day, Barreto ranked sixth in the TL in batting (.281) and third and steals (30), then finished the season at Triple-A Nashville, which included an 8-for-19 showing in the Pacific Coast League playoffs.

Scouting Report: Barreto began the season slowly and turned things around in the second half. Scouts said he felt pressure to move quickly and wanted to get off to a good start, so he swung too often at pitches outside the zone. After expanding the strike zone too much in the first half, Barreto did a better job of controlling the zone and turning on pitches he can drive. A line-drive hitter with a low-maintenance swing, he has no problem catching up to high velocity. He has above-average bat speed, but his power projection might be limited because of his up-the-middle approach. His swing seems more geared for doubles and triples, though he can ride the ball out if he catches it right. Just 20, Barreto has already begun to thicken through his trunk and legs, and while he’s still a plus runner, he was a burner when he signed. He matured quickly, which accounts for some strength gains, though he retains his quick-twitch ability. At shortstop, Barreto is an average defender. His arm grades as average, with some evaluators expressing concern about the firmness and accuracy of his throws from the left side. At second base, he is an above-average defender, with the shorter throw less of a concern. He also played center field in winter ball in Venezuela in 2015, though he played shortstop and second base in the 2016 Arizona Fall League. His baseball instincts receive high marks.

The Future: The A’s have the luxury of a shortstop surplus. Major leaguer Marcus Semien is just 25 but has faced defensive challenges; Chad Pinder is a better defender than Barreto; Yairo Munoz is toolsy and fits at third base; and 2015 first-rounder Richie Martin has the best glove of the bunch. While center field remains an option, second base is Barreto’s most likely short-term path to Oakland, with injury-prone incumbent Jed Lowrie entering the final season of his contract in 2017. Wherever Barreto ends up defensively, it’s his bat that will do the heavy lifting. He will begin the 2017 season back at Triple-A, but he probably will make his big league debut at some point during the season.

2016 Club	AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
Midland (AA)	.281	.340	.413	462	63	130	25	3	10	50	36	90	30
Nashville (AAA)	.353	.389	.647	17	2	6	0	1	1	3	0	4	0

2. A.J. Puk, lhp |

Born: April 25, 1995. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-7. Wt.: 220. Drafted: Florida, 2016 (1st round). Signed by: Trevor Schaffer.

Background: Puk ranked No. 85 on the BA 500 out of an Iowa high school, but the Florida commit wasn’t drafted until the 35th round by the Tigers. He ranked second in Division I as a sophomore with 12 strikeouts per nine innings and entered 2016 as the No. 1 prospect for the draft but dropped to the Athletics with the No. 6 pick after an inconsistent spring. Puk’s $4,069,200 bonus is the largest for a draft pick in Oakland history.

Scouting Report: Puk leverages his size to get great extension on all of his pitches. His fastball touched 98 mph in 2016 with great downhill angle. Puk’s long levers and relative lack of athleticism make it difficult at times for him to keep his torso over his front side consistently, and his inability to repeat his delivery gives him below-average command. A head-whack finish further complicates his delivery. A’s coaches moved him to the first-base side of the rubber to help square him to the plate. Puk threw his changeup more often in his pro debut at short-season Vermont, but his slider lacked the bite and feel of its plus reputation in college.

The Future: When he throws online to the plate, Puk is difficult to square up and shows a ceiling of a front-end starter, but he must become more efficient with his pitches and more consistent with his command. At worst, he could become a dominating high-leverage reliever.

2016 Club	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
Vermont (SS)	0	4	3.03	10	10	0	33	23	0	12	40	.185

3. Matt Chapman, 3b |

Born: April 28, 1993. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 205. Drafted: Cal State Fullerton, 2014 (1st round). Signed by: Eric Martins.

Background: A knee injury and then a wrist injury that eventually necessitated surgery truncated Chapman’s first full season. But fully healthy in 2016, he blasted 36 homers at Double-A Midland and Triple-A Nashville, ranking third overall in the minors. In 2015, Chapman reworked his swing with high Class A Stockton hitting coach Brian McArn to tap into his power, and it has worked, with 59 homers the last two seasons.

Scouting Report: Chapman was more of a gap-to-gap hitter in college, but he has moved his hands back a little and found a consistent spot to start and trigger his swing. He has above-average raw power and can drive the ball out to all fields. His swing retains some rigidity and length, so he’ll strike out a lot and is a below-average hitter. He has solid average pitch recognition and draws walks. Chapman showcases at least 70 arm strength with carry on the 20-80 scouting scale. He projects to be a plus defender at third base.

The Future: While the A’s have other third-base options such as Healy and Renato Nunez, Chapman is the best defender of the group. He likely will return to Triple-A Nashville to start 2017 after finishing there in 2016, but once ready, he should push Healy off the hot corner in Oakland.

2016 Club	AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
Midland (AA)	.244	.335	.521	438	78	107	26	4	29	83	59	147	7
Nashville (AAA)	.197	.282	.513	76	14	15	1	1	7	13	9	26	0

4. Jharel Cotton, rhp

Born: Jan. 19, 1992. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 190. Drafted: East Carolina, 2012 (20th round). Signed by: Clair Rierson (Dodgers).

Background: The Virgin Islands native played high school baseball in Virginia, then played at Miami-Dade JC. He spurned the Mets in 2011 as a 28th-rounder before signing as a 20th-rounder with the Dodgers after a year at East Carolina. Oakland acquired him (with righthanders Frankie Montas and Grant Holmes) on Aug. 1 while dealing Rich Hill and Josh Reddick to the Dodgers. Cotton led the Pacific Coast League with 155 strikeouts, a 1.08 WHIP and .214 opponent average.

Scouting Report: Cotton’s best weapon is his double-plus 77 mph changeup, which has screwball action. His command of his fastball improved in 2016, and the 92-93 mph pitch can touch 96. He also throws two-seamers and cutters that give hitters different looks, and they all come out of the same release point. His delivery is not something pitching coaches would teach, but it works for him, and his athleticism belies his 5-foot-11 frame. Cotton mixes in a slider and curveball.

The Future: Having succeeded as a September callup, Cotton will open spring training with a tentative spot in the big league rotation. He projects as a back-end starter if not a bit more.

2016 Club	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
Oklahoma City (AAA)	8	5	4.90	22	16	1	97	80	17	32	119	.219
Nashville (AAA)	2	1	3.06	5	5	1	38	28	3	7	36	.201
Oakland (MLB)	2	0	2.15	5	5	0	29	20	4	4	23	.185

5. Frankie Montas, rhp |

Born: March 21, 1993. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 255. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2009. Signed by: Manny Nanita (Red Sox)

Background: Originally signed by the Red Sox, Montas has been traded three times, twice since last December. He went from the White Sox to the Dodgers after the 2015 season as part of the three-team trade involving Todd Frazier and Trayce Thompson, then joined Oakland as part of the return for lefthander Rich Hill and outfielder Josh Reddick. A broken rib that followed offseason rib surgery curtailed Montas in 2016.

Scouting Report: Evaluators of any stripe come away impressed with Montas’ easy velocity. He hit triple digits in the Arizona Fall League in 2016 and paired that with a power slider at 90 mph with good depth that projects as an above-average pitch. He uses his changeup sparingly, but evaluators believe it eventually could be an average pitch, and the A’s are pushing him to throw it more. Montas is thick but surprisingly athletic for his size, and his mound presence and poise grade as plus.

The Future: The A’s will continue using Montas in the rotation, and 86 of his 106 pro appearances have been as a starter. His physicality, velocity and pitch mix could still succeed in the rotation if his control improves, but his career walk rate of 3.8 per nine innings and spotty fastball command could push him to a relief role as soon as 2017.

2016 Club	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
Tulsa (AA)	0	0	1.93	3	1	0	5	2	1	1	7	.133
Oklahoma City (AAA)	0	0	2.38	4	3	0	11	12	0	2	15	.279

6. Grant Holmes, rhp |

Born: March 22, 1996. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 215. Drafted: HS—Conway, S.C., 2014 (1st round). Signed by: Lon Joyce (Dodgers).

Background: The highest-drafted prep righthander ever from South Carolina—22nd overall—Holmes was drafted three spots ahead Matt Chapman, Oakland’s first pick in 2014. The A’s acquired Holmes from the Dodgers in the five-player deal that also yielded Jharel Cotton and Frankie Montas. Holmes pitched effectively early at high Class A Rancho Cucamonga, but after the trade he struggled with Stockton as he surpassed his previous career high for innings.

Scouting Report: Holmes has a power arm with a riding 92-95 mph fastball with tremendous sink that produces a well above-average groundball rate. His power curve at 80-83 mph gives him a strikeout pitch, and he can cut his fastball as well. His changeup has its moments and has a chance to be average but lefthanded hitters took advantage of its inconsistency, hitting .303 against him. Holmes is an above-average athlete but at times lands stiffly on his front leg and also has timing issues separating his hands and getting his arm in sync with the rest of his body.

The Future: Holmes’ delivery issues are correctable, and at 20 he was one of the youngest players in the California League. The A’s may slow him down a bit and have him repeat high Class A in 2017, though his ceiling remains mid-rotation starter.

2016 Club	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
Rancho Cucamonga (Hi A)	8	4	4.02	20	18	1	105	103	6	43	100	.254
Stockton (Hi A)	3	3	6.59	6	5	0	29	43	4	10	24	.355

7. Chad Pinder, ss /2b

Born: March 29, 1992. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 190. Drafted: Virginia Tech, 2013 (2nd round supplemental). Signed by: Neil Avent

Background: Pinder comes from a baseball family. His father played at Virginia Commonwealth and his younger brother Chase plays at Clemson. The Athletics have challenged Pinder since they drafted him 71st overall in 2013. They asked the former Virginia Tech third baseman to play second base in 2014, then shortstop in 2015 following the trades of Addison Russell and Daniel Robertson. Pinder held his own with each position switch and even won the Texas League MVP award at Double-A Midland in 2015. He started slowly at Triple-A Nashville in 2016, then rallied to make his major league debut.

Scouting Report: Pinder has fluid actions and an above-average arm that make him capable at shortstop and an asset at second or third base. His versatility is a major plus. At the plate, Pinder is an intelligent hitter with a solid plan, though his approach can be too aggressive for the Athletics’ liking. He has a quick bat with average power and average feel to hit, and evaluators project he could hit 15-20 homers at his peak. He’s a tick below-average runner.

The Future: Pinder’s defensive versatility and power potential make him a utility option in the big leagues for 2017. To be a regular, he’ll have to win a battle with Joey Wendle and Jed Lowrie at second base.

2016 Club	AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
Nashville (AAA)	.258	.410	.425	426	72	110	23	4	14	51	25	108	5
Oakland (MLB)	.235	.273	.373	51	4	12	4	0	1	4	3	14	0

8. Daniel Gossett, rhp

Born: Nov. 13, 1992. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 185. Drafted: Clemson, 2014 (2nd round). Signed by: Neil Avent.

Background: A 16th-round pick out of a South Carolina high school in 2011, Gossett had high expectations at Clemson and mostly lived up to them—he went 23-9, 2.80—working with two big breaking balls and a fastball. Once the Athletics took him in the second round in 2014, they helped him develop a true slider and sharpened his curveball

Scouting Report: Gossett thrives with a four-pitch mix delivered with a short arm action and simplified delivery. His 90-95 mph fastball with glove-side run ticked up in 2016, and he locates down and away better. His soft-contact and strikeout rates improved while his walk rate stayed in line with career norms. He gas worked with A’s coaches to hone his slider, which has become a hard cutter, an 88-89 mph pitch that at times breaks straight down. His changeup drew the most swings and misses of any of his pitches, and he also mixes in a curveball. He earns high marks for his dedication, hard work and coachability.

The Future: Gossett is on the fast track but should start 2017 back at Triple-A Nashville. Even with the infusion of pitching talent into the organization in 2016, Gossett ranks among the organization’s best arms and could make his big league debut in 2017.

2016 Club	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
Stockton (Hi A)	4	1	3.52	9	9	0	46	40	4	13	53	.225
Midland (AA)	5	5	2.49	16	16	0	94	76	4	25	94	.220
Nashville (AAA)	1	0	1.98	2	2	0	13.2	10	0	3	4	.213

9. Richie Martin, ss |

Born: Dec. 22, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 192. Drafted: Florida, 2015 (1st round). Signed by: Trevor Schaffer.

Background: Martin became the fourth of the record five college shortstops selected in the first round of the 2015 draft, doing so after helping Florida reach the College World Series that year. He’s young for his draft class and played his first full season at age 21 in 2016, when he returned from a spring training injury that required surgery to repair a torn meniscus his left knee.

Scouting Report: Martin impressed the Athletics with his dedication and work in continuing to try and improve his all-around game. His range and quickness are quality traits, and his above-average arm is adequate for shortstop. He’s athletic but not unnecessarily flashy at shortstop, with solid actions and mechanics and excellent footwork. Offensively, Martin has work to do, but the A’s like his swing plane and bat speed. He has bat-to-ball skills, decent plate discipline and strength but hits for below-average power. He’s an above-average runner even after the knee issue.

The Future: Martin is part of a shortstop surplus for the A’s, but he should be the best defender of a group that includes Franklin Barreto, Yairo Munoz and Chad Pinder. He likely will start 2017 back at Double-A Midland, and if his bat develops, he eventually could push Marcus Semien down the defensive spectrum.

2016 Club	AVG	OBP	SLG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
Stockton (Hi A)	.230	.322	.312	330	46	76	14	2	3	31	36	73	12
Midland (AA)	.333	.444	.533	15	38	1	5	1	1	7	3	2	2

10. Bruce Maxwell, c

Born: Dec. 20, 1990. B-T: L-R. Ht: 6-1. Wt.: 250. Drafted: Birmingham-Southern, 2012 (2nd round). Signed by: Kelcey Mucker.

Background: When the A’s took him with the 62nd overall pick in 2012, Maxwell became the highest-drafted Division III player since Jason Hirsh in 2003. Primarily a first baseman in college, Maxwell embraced catching as a pro with his characteristic enthusiasm. His improvement behind the plate prompted Oakland to call him up in July when Stephen Vogt took family medical leave. He stuck on the big league roster the rest of the season.

Scouting Report: Maxwell has an above-average throwing arm, with improved accuracy, and pitchers praise his framing skills. He threw out 39 percent of basestealers at Triple-A Nashville in 2016, though he went 0-for-8 in the majors. Maxwell has soft hands and does a good job keeping pitches in front of him—a vast improvement from 2012, when he had 18 passed balls in 38 games. At the plate, Maxwell has plenty of strength, and his lefthanded swing takes a good plane through the zone. He has enough bat speed and selectivity, and he started to produce solid power numbers in 2016. He’s a below-average, base-clogging runner.

The Future: Vogt has been a fine bat-first catcher at a low price for Oakland, and Maxwell could at least compete with Josh Phegley as the big league backup. He’s the most likely in-house replacement option for Vogt.