Ron Rigney shares his top prospects and where they stand in their progression towards the Big Leagues in 2023! Follow Ron on Twitter – @RonRigney
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Tyler Soderstrom, C/1B – Oakland A’s
Soderstrom was a first-round pick of the A’s in 2020. Heralded as one of the top high school bats coming out that year, he’s been on the radar of dynasty players for a few years now. No one questioned his ability to hit, as he was graded out as having 60 grade raw power and a 55 hit tool. He’s able to make solid contact to all fields, as well as have an approach at the plate that was advanced for his age. The only question was where he ends defensively. While a solid athlete, his catching hasn’t come around to where the A’s would like it. He’s progressed at catcher, but he’s split time behind the plate with first base to expedite his arrival in the Majors. Since his call up on July 15th he’s seen time at both positions as well as at DH.
Soderstrom is a must add as the 33rd ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list. His bat isn’t in question as he should be able to apply his approach to Major League pitching. Overall, I expect him to slot into the batting order every day, but where he plays defensively is another question. That works in our favor as owners since he’s going to have eligibility at multiple spots, including catcher. It’s a strong possibility he leaves catcher behind and becomes a 1B/DH type, but it’s possible Oakland can bring him along enough that they are comfortable with him behind the plate, thus making him more valuable in fantasy. Soderstrom will become a 25-30 homer threat, with a slash looking something like .260/.300/.475. He will be a middle of the order bat, but don’t forget it will be in the middle of the anemic Oakland lineup. Despite where he plays, he should be added in all formats.
