The Athletics Community Prospect List just got a whole lot more exciting, with Steven Echavarria snagging the #9 spot—but is he the next big thing or just a flash in the pan? Let’s dive in. To make voting easier, I’ll drop a ‘NOMINATIONS’ comment below, and you can reply with your picks or upvote the player you’d like to see next. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Echavarria, a 20-year-old right-handed pitcher, showed glimpses of brilliance in his second full season, he’s still raw—especially in control. Yet, his youth and potential have the A’s buzzing. Could he be the diamond in the rough everyone’s overlooking? And this is the part most people miss: his age-to-level alignment gives him a unique edge, but will it be enough to justify his ranking?
Next up, Mason Barnett takes the spotlight as a nominee. Once a prized acquisition in the Lucas Erceg trade, Barnett’s stock dipped after a rough Triple-A season. But don’t write him off just yet—he’s already made his MLB debut with five starts in September, and the A’s see him as a potential back-end starter. The question is, can he solidify a rotation spot? Or is he destined for a bullpen role?
Now, let’s talk process. Here’s how the voting works:
- Vote for one player only. The top vote-getter secures the ranked spot, while the rest move to the next ballot alongside a new nominee.
- Nominate players in the comments using the format “Nomination: Player Name.”
- If a prospect is traded, their name is crossed out, and others move up. New acquisitions trigger a special vote for their ranking.
A’s Fans, Meet Your Top Prospects:
1. Leo De Vries, SS
2. Jamie Arnold, LHP
3. Gage Jump, LHP
4. Wei-En Lin, LHP
5. Braden Nett, RHP
6. Henry Bolte, OF
7. Johenssy Colome, SS
8. Edgar Montero, SS
9. Steven Echavarria, RHP
Nominees on the Ballot:
Tommy White, 3B
Expected Level: Double-A | Age: 22
White’s bat is his ticket to the majors. With legit right-handed power and a knack for consistent contact, he’s more than just a home run hitter. But here’s the catch: his defense at third base is questionable, and a move to first base could create a logjam with Nick Kurtz. Is his offensive upside worth the positional risk?
Shotaro Morii, SS/RHP
Expected Level: Low-A | Age: 19
Morii is a true two-way talent with a smooth left-handed swing and a fastball touching 95 mph. His splitter is nasty, and his curveball is legit. But with a 6-foot-1 frame, could he outgrow shortstop? The A’s are giving him every chance to succeed as both a hitter and pitcher, but here’s the controversial part: is it smarter to focus him on one role? Or is his dual potential too valuable to ignore?
Devin Taylor, OF
Expected Level: High-A | Age: 22
Taylor’s bat is his calling card, with plus power and hit potential. However, his fringy speed and defense limit him to a corner outfield spot. Is his offensive production enough to carry him to the majors, or will his defensive shortcomings hold him back?
Mason Barnett, RHP
Expected Level: Triple-A/Majors | Age: 25
Barnett’s four-pitch mix, led by a 96 mph fastball and a sweeper slider, makes him a compelling starter candidate. His improved strike-throwing ability has the A’s optimistic, but his 2025 stats raise questions. Can he bounce back and secure a rotation spot, or is he better suited for a bullpen role?
Cole Miller, RHP
Expected Level: Single-A | Age: 20
Miller’s electric fastball and competitive edge had the A’s excited, but an injury delayed his debut. Now, with mechanical adjustments in place, he’s showing promise. His 6-foot-6 frame and three-pitch mix scream workhorse starter, but here’s the debate: can he stay healthy and reach his ceiling, or will injuries derail his potential?
Programming Note: Each CPL vote runs for 48 hours, so don’t delay! Who’s your pick to round out the top ten? And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Which nominee do you think is most underrated, and why? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
