Fansided

10 best prospects moved at the MLB Trade Deadline

By Nathaniel Reeves

Aug 2, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Daniel Norris (44) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Daniel Norris (44) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Sam Fuld (23), center fielder Billy Burns (1) and right fielder Josh Reddick (22) celebrate after the win against the Colorado Rockies at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Colorado Rockies 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Sam Fuld (23), center fielder Billy Burns (1) and right fielder Josh Reddick (22) celebrate after the win against the Colorado Rockies at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Colorado Rockies 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Jacob Nottingham, C, Oakland Athletics 

Nottingham likely receives the least attention on prospect lists of anyone in this ranking. However, he also is rising faster than just about any prospect moved at the deadline.

After being drafted in the sixth round in 2013, Nottingham didn’t do much to inspire thoughts that he could be a great offensive catcher. Nottingham posted a 118 wRC+ at rookie ball in 2013 per FanGraphs before struggling at the same level the next season.

Something really clicked for Nottingham this season, enough to interest Oakland enough to acquire him in exchange for a strong trade chip in Scott Kazmir. Nottingham posted a 170 wRC+ in 59 games of A-Ball, and continues to succeed at the plate at High-A.

Nottingham’s main skill is to hit for a high average, as he’s been over .320 at both stops this season. At 6-3, 200 pounds, he’s also got some power and has swatted five home runs in 29 High-A games so far.

There are questions about Nottingham’s defense, so he’s going to have to hit really well to make up for it. Nottingham will need to sustain this season’s pace for longer to move up prospect rankings, but there’s plenty of intrigue here.

Next: Hector Olivera, 3B, Atlanta Braves

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