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MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help A’s in 2019

By Sean Sears

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Franklin Barreto #1 of the Oakland Athletics jogs to first base on his two-run homerun to center tield during the sixth inning of the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Athletics 5-4. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Franklin Barreto #1 of the Oakland Athletics jogs to first base on his two-run homerun to center tield during the sixth inning of the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Athletics 5-4. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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TOKYO, JAPAN – MARCH 18: Franklin Barreto #1 of the Oakland Athletics bats during the game against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters at the Tokyo Dome on March 18, 2019, in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN – MARCH 18: Franklin Barreto #1 of the Oakland Athletics bats during the game against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters at the Tokyo Dome on March 18, 2019, in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

2. Franklin Barreto, SS

Franklin Barreto was at one point Oakland’s top SS prospect, but after failing to do much in his 58 Major League games, his only hope of making the Opening Day roster was in a utility role. He started to play more in the outfield, making a few starts in left and center field, all while maintaining a .351 BA despite 12 strikeouts in spring training.

However, when 1B Matt Olson went to the IL with a broken hand and the Athletics re-acquired Kendry Morales, Barreto knew he was going to be optioned back to AAA. He took the decision in stride and has since hit well in 10 games with the A’s AAA club, slashing .275/.383/.500 with one homer and walking in nearly 15 percent of all his plate attempts — a massive improvement from his 1.3 percent walk rate last season.

Barreto and Chad Pinder essentially fulfill the same role at the moment and with Pinder swinging well, it might take an everyday player to struggle for Barreto to get another call-up to the MLB. Someone like Profar, who’s been so-so in the first three weeks of the season, could make sense, but if Barreto continues to hit and the A’s do need more infield depth he seems like the most obvious next man up.

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