10 Hidden Gems in the Athletics' 2026 Prospect Pipeline
Baseball America's Top 30 list for 2026 showcased the Athletics' brightest stars. But what about the players who narrowly missed the cut? These 10 prospects, while not ranked in the top 30, possess the potential for breakout seasons and future MLB careers. Get ready to dive into the world of undervalued talent!
Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang (RHP): A steady performer in the minors, Zhuang, 24, boasts a versatile arsenal. His low-90s fastball, ranging from 88-96 mph, and a fading low-80s changeup are his secret weapons. Scouts are intrigued, but they question whether his stuff is firm enough to dominate at the big league level.
Euribiel Angeles (2B): Angeles, 23, is a contact hitter extraordinaire with advanced bat-to-ball skills. However, his hyper-aggressive approach and low launch angles limit his power. He profiles as a utility infielder, ready to fill in wherever needed.
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Nate Nankil (OF): Nankil, with an athletic build, showcases sound swing decisions and above-average raw power. Despite a pull-heavy swing, he managed an impressive 80.8% contact rate. Nankil projects as a versatile outfielder, capable of handling all three spots.
Davis Diaz (C): Diaz, once a highly regarded high schooler, was drafted by the A's in the eighth round in 2024. They converted him to catcher, seeing above-average potential. Diaz's bat-to-ball skills, patience, and defensive versatility make him a player to watch.
Grant Richardson (LHP): Richardson, despite missing 2024 due to elbow surgery, impressed in 2025. His 92-94 mph fastball and gyro slider combination are encouraging. The A's are optimistic about his changeup's improvement, but keeping it viable will be crucial.
Jefferson Jean (RHP): Jean, 20, possesses raw power but lacks consistency. His mid-90s fastball and best slider in the system are impressive, but he walked 14.6% of hitters and hit 21 others in 87 innings. Jean's power arsenal might be better suited for a bullpen role.
Cameron Leary (OF): Leary, a 10th-round pick from Boston College, is a dynamic baserunner with above-average power potential. However, he needs to reduce his swing-and-miss, especially on high fastballs. His approach is geared towards pulling the ball, and the A's are working on tightening his swing.
Rodney Green (OF): Green, a plus runner and above-average defender in center field, struggled with strikeouts in his pro debut. He made an encouraging amount of contact in 2024 but fell flat in 2025. Green's contact skills need significant improvement.
Dylan Fien (C): 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. His glove work remains a work in progress, but his bat is making strides.
