10 Hidden Gems in the Athletics' Prospect Pipeline: Unlocking Future Success
Baseball America's Top 30 Athletics Prospects for 2026 have been revealed, but there's more to uncover beyond the spotlight. We delve into the organization's lesser-known gems, players who missed the initial cut but possess immense potential for breakout seasons and future MLB careers. Get ready to explore the next wave of talent that could shape the Athletics' future.
- Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang: The Steady Starter
Zhuang, a 24-year-old right-hander, showcases a steady performance in the minors. His varied mix of above-average command and a low-90s fastball (88-96 mph) make him a versatile starter. While his best pitch is a fading low-80s changeup, he also employs a slider, curveball, and splitter. However, scouts question the durability of his stuff, raising concerns about his ability to dominate big league lineups.
- Euribiel Angeles: The Utility Infielder
Angeles, a 23-year-old second baseman, once faced stagnation in High-A but regained momentum in 2025, reaching Triple-A Las Vegas. His advanced bat-to-ball skills and pure contact hitting make him a utility infielder. However, his hyper-aggressive approach and low launch angles limit his power potential.
- Ricky Duran: The Steady Shortstop
Duran, a 17-year-old shortstop, signed for $1.05 million in the Athletics' 2026 international class. His wiry frame and quick, simple swing make him a gap-to-gap doubles power threat. Duran's sound shortstop defense, plus arm, and above-average running skills make him a valuable asset.
- Nate Nankil: The Athletic Outsider
Nankil, an athletic outfielder, owns above-average raw power but struggled to translate it into in-game impact in 2025. Despite an uphill, pull-heavy swing, he maintained an impressive 80.8% contact rate. Nankil projects to handle all three outfield spots, making him a versatile option.
- Davis Diaz: The Versatile Catcher
Diaz, a former Vanderbilt infielder, was drafted by the A's in the eighth round in 2024 and converted to catcher. With above-average potential, he spent most of 2025 behind the plate, showcasing a combination of bat-to-ball skills, patience, and defensive versatility. Diaz's ability to unlock his impact is key to his success.
- Grant Richardson: The Rising Lefty
Richardson, a 23-year-old left-hander, missed 2024 due to elbow surgery but impressed in 2025. His 92-94 mph fastball and solid gyro slider make him a promising prospect. The A's are encouraged by the improvement in his changeup, but keeping it viable will be crucial for his success as a two-pitch lefty.
- Jefferson Jean: The Power Bullpen Arm
Jean, a 20-year-old right-hander, possesses loud raw ingredients but lacks consistency. His mid-90s fastball (touching 98) and best slider in the system make him a power arm. However, his high walk rate and high hit rate raise questions about his bullpen role.
- Cameron Leary: The Dynamic Baserunner
Leary, a 10th-round pick from Boston College in 2024, is one of the system's most dynamic baserunners. With above-average power potential, he needs to reduce his swing-and-miss, especially on high fastballs. His approach is geared to pull, and the A's are working on tightening his swing.
- Rodney Green: The Toolsy Power-Speed Threat
Green, a plus runner and above-average defender in center field, struggled with strikeouts in his pro debut. He needs significant improvement in his contact skills. Green's toolsy power-speed potential makes him an intriguing prospect.
- Dylan Fien: The Developing Catcher
Fien, a 19-year-old switch-hitting catcher, showed solid feel for contact with Low-A Stockton in 2025. The A's believe he'll develop above-average raw power in time. His glove work remains a work in progress, but his bat is making strides.
