This series will highlight a handful of prospects, team-by-team, heading into the 2021 season. I will offer a handful of Top Prospects, as well as a few “In The Pipeline” prospects for dynasty owners to keep an eye on in the next couple of seasons. With that, let’s jump right in!
Top Prospects
AJ Puk, P
Fastball: 65/65 | Slider: 60/60 | Curveball: 50/55
Changeup: 55/60 | Command: 45/50
No-one has questioned Puks’ raw stuff, but his inability to pitch more than 40 combined innings over the last three seasons has become a cause for concern. The barrage of ailments Puk has faced in recent years may have been bad luck or may be a sign of things to come. For dynasty owners, Puk is a wait-and-see prospect at the moment – wait for the top of the rotation starter potential to come to fruition or watch him become bullpen arm.
Robert Puason, SS
Hit: 35/50 | Power: 40/45 | Speed: 60/65 | Arm: 60/60 | Field: 50/60
Puason is viewed as a plus defender with a smooth stroke from both sides of the plate. He’s also shown plus raw power, and it’s believed as he matures and fills out his 6’3″ frame, he’ll develop more power in his swing. Most scouts think a floor of 15 home runs per season seems to be a safe bet. Be on the lookout for this 18-year-old who gets his first taste of professional ball in 2021.
Nick Allen, 2B/SS
Hit: 35/50 | Power: 30/30 | Speed: 50/50 | Arm: 60/60 | Field: 55/70
Allen is the kind of prospect which fantasy owners tend to glaze over. He’s a defense-first player who projects as a #8 or #9 hitter in the lineup. An injury derailed his 2019 season, but he was making strides at the plate before he got hurt. Watch Allen in 2021 to see if he can continue to improve his hit tool as his defensive abilities will carry him to the MLB.
Tyler Soderstrom, C
Hit: 40/60 | Power: 40/50 | Speed: 50/50 | Arm: 50/60 | Field: 35/40
Soderstrom was the first catcher selected in the 2020 MLB draft because of his bat more than his defensive ability. If the A’s want Soderstrom to stick behind the dish, fantasy owners will need to be patient; however, his bat profiles at various positions. For a 6’2″, 19-year-old kid who has yet to play any professional ball, the future is bright, but dynasty owners may be waiting a couple of seasons before they see their investment hit the majors.
In The Pipeline
Pedro Pineda, OF
Hit: 30/50 | Power: 45/55 | Speed: 55/55 | Arm: 50/55 | Field: 40/55
Pineda was a 2021 International signee by the Athletics, who is said to have some of the best tools in class. Look for Pineda to roam the entire OF as he progresses through the minors, but he’ll likely stick to a corner OF spot as primary position.
Brayan Buelvas, OF
Hit: 25/60 | Power: 45/50 | Speed: 60/55 | Arm: 55/55 | Field: 45/55
Brayan Buelvas is a young, passionate player who can play anywhere in the OF but seems destined for CF. The A’s believe his power will develop as he matures and fills out; he’s also shown patients and a good eye at the plate after one season of Rookie ball. Watch as Buelvas climbs the ranks in the A’s system, as this young speedster could make a quick ascension to the majors.
Junior Perez, OF
Hit: 25/55 | Power: 45/55 | Speed: 45/40 | Arm: 50/50 | Field: 40/50
Oakland acquired Junior Perez as the PTBNL in the Jorge Mateo trade. Perez may be destined to play LF because of his defensive woes; however, his power projection and aggressive base running could someday make him a 20/20 upside player. Watch as this 19-year-old matures at the plate and fills out 6’1″ frame.
Jalen Greer, 2B/SS
Hit: 25/60 | Power: 35/50 | Speed: 40/50 | Arm: 45/55 | Field: 40/55
Jalen Greer was a 5th round selection by the A’s in the 2019 MLB draft. After a short-season of Rookie ball, yes, Jalen struggled, but he is a cold-weather 19-year-old high-schooler from Chicago, so playing in the Arizona league may have just been an adjustment. The one bright spot in Greers’ game was his ability to collect 21 BBs over 42 games. If Greer can improve his approach at the plate in 2021, he may quickly start turning heads.
Jhoan Paulino, SS
Hit: 20/45 | Power: 45/50 | Speed: 40/40 | Arm: 55/55 | Field: 40/45
Paulino, who’s still 19-years-old after playing in 2 seasons of Rookie ball, is said to have power and solid defense but lacks focus at the plate. If he can become more selective and patient in the batters’ box, he may become a well-rounded player. While scouts aren’t sure if he’ll stick at SS in the future, he has the footwork and arm strength to slide over to 2B. Watch Paulino in the coming seasons to see if his approach matures at the plate because his youngster may very well become an everyday player at the MLB level.
As always, feel free to reach out to me via Twitter @drunkenangelz.