Addison Russell was viewed as the only potential star in Oakland's farm system headed into 2014, but that obviously changed when he was dealt in early July to the Cubs in the Jeff Samardzija-Jason Hammel trade. Outfielder Billy McKinney, the A’s first-round pick in 2013, also was shipped out in the trade.
However, general manager Billy Beane and the A’s have done an admirable job restocking their farm system since the end of the season. In late November, the team traded All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson to the Blue Jays in return for Brett Lawrie and three prospects: right-hander Kendall Graveman, left-hander Sean Nolin and shortstop Franklin Barreto, who ultimately replaced Daniel Robertson as the team’s top shortstop prospect after he was dealt to the Rays.
The A’s then received another four-player package in early December, this time from the White Sox, as they traded Samardzija for infielder Marcus Semien, catcher Josh Phegley, right-hander Chris Bassitt and first baseman Rangel Ravelo.
Oakland also gained a few other notable prospects in offseason trades, acquiring second baseman Joey Wendle from Cleveland in exchange for Brandon Moss, and then adding late-inning reliever R.J. Alvarez from San Diego as part of the Derek Norris trade.
The A’s top prospects spent last season at High-A Stockton, where first baseman Matt Olson led the California League with 37 home runs, while third baseman Renato Nunez swatted 29. Second baseman Chad Pinder also tallied 50 extra-base hits in his full-season debut, though only 13 left the yard.
The organization also received a breakout performance from Jaycob Brugman, as the 23-year-old outfielder posted impressive numbers across both Class-A levels and will now likely begin 2015 in Double-A.
Unfortunately, few of the team’s pitching prospects progressed as hoped last year, as right-hander Raul Alcantara, Dillon Overton and Bobby Wahl each spent time on the disabled list. However, the organization did land a few intriguing arms in the 2014 draft in college right-handers Daniel Gossett and Brett Graves, whom they selected in the second and third rounds, respectively.
Here are the Oakland Athletics’ top 10 prospects for the 2015 season.
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