Athletics’ Community Prospect List: Wilson steals the top spot

Time for round two

Wow, that was close. In an absolute nail-biter of a vote Athletics fans decided that Jacob Wilson is the top overall prospect in the organization. Wilson squeaked out the win by a single vote! Wilson looks to be the long-term option at a key position and if A’s fans are correct then we have a keeper. This kid might be special.

The next round begins now as the fanbase gets a chance to elect the #2 prospect in the pipeline but based off the last vote it seems it might be a forgone conclusion who is going to win. Let’s not tip the scales though. It’s your chance to make your voice heard so act now and take part!

The process for this public vote is explained below. Please take a moment to read this before participating:

• Please only vote for one. The player with the most votes at the end of voting will win the ranked spot. The remaining four players move on to the next ballot where they are joined by a new nominee.
• If a prospect is traded, his name will be crossed out, and all other players will be moved up a space. If a prospect is acquired, a special vote will be put up to determine where that player should rank.

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Here’s a quick rundown on each one — the scouting grades (on a 20-to-80 scale) and scouting reports come from MLB Pipeline (last updated mid-2024).

Nominees on the current ballot:

Nick Kurtz, 1B

Expected level: Double-A | Age 21

2024 stats (A/AA): 50 PA, .368/.520/.763, 2 doubles, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 12 BB, 10 K, 1 SB

MLB Pipeline grades and scouting report:

Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 65 | Run: 40 | Arm: 50 | Field: 60 | Overall: 55

Kurtz’s signature tool is his well-above-average power to all fields, the product of outstanding bat speed, strength and a left-handed stroke designed to drive balls in the air. More than just a slugger, he’s a complete hitter with no discernible weakness who crushes left-handers and right-handers, and all types of pitches. He controls the strike zone, covers the entire plate and hits the ball with authority all over the ballpark.

Kurtz also plays a quality first base and has average arm strength. The only blemishes on his game are his below-average speed, which doesn’t really matter given his position and offensive upside, and an injury history that includes a broken rib that knocked him out of the end of the 2023 College World Series. If he’s as good as scouts believe he is, he could turn into Jim Thome with defensive value.

Luis Morales, RHP

Expected level: Double-A | Age 22

2024 stats (A+): 4.22 ERA, 81 IP, 84 K, 36 BB, 8 HR, 4.06 FIP

MLB Pipeline grades and scouting report:

Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50

Morales’ whip-like delivery produces an electric fastball that sits around 94-97 mph and can reach up to 99. His four-pitch mix also includes a slider, a changeup and a curveball, all of which appeared to be quality secondary pitches as he rapidly ascended through the Minors in his debut season.

Adding about 10 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame in preparation for his first full season as a pro, Morales will see his durability tested as he looks to navigate the rigors of pitching. While his command was solid upon joining the A’s, he has struggled with controlling his pitches in the past. If he can keep that control steady, he has a chance to make another significant jump through the system in 2024, with enough potential to evolve into a frontline starter in the future.

Tommy White, 3B

Expected level: A+ | Age 21

2019 stats (A): 107 PA, .224/.303/.299, 2 doubles, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 9 BB, 21 K, 0 SB

MLB Pipeline grades and scouting report:

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Run: 30 | Arm: 50 | Field: 40 | Overall: 50

White generates huge right-handed power to all fields with strength, bat speed and an uncanny ability to barrel balls. Known more for his slugging, he’s underrated as a hitter who makes repeated contact with impressive exit velocities. Though he’s overly aggressive and regularly expands his strike zone, he rarely swings and misses.

As a well-below-average runner with average arm strength, White provides limited value on the bases and in the field. Mostly a DH as a freshman, he primarily played third base after that and likely will wind up at first base in pro ball. He lacks range and is erratic at the hot corner, though he earns praise for gritting through the 2023 season and filling a team need despite his bad shoulder.

Henry Bolte, OF

Expected level: Double-A | Age 21

2024 stats (A+): 318 PA, .278/.393/.519, 19 doubles, 11 HR, 52 RBI, 41 BB, 101 K, 28 SB

2024 stats (AA): 227 PA, .252/.332/.396, 13 doubles, 4 HR, 21 RBI, 20 BB, 88 K, 18 SB

MLB Pipeline grades and scouting report:

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 65 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

The eye-popping raw power Bolte showed during batting practice at the Oakland Coliseum shortly after signing his pro contract has quickly appeared in the Minors. As with most young players, his overall offensive approach is still being refined. There is still some swing-and-miss he needs to cut down on, particularly on offspeed stuff out of the zone, though he did show signs of improvement as his first full year went along.

Bolte’s near-elite speed was on display as he swiped 32 bags. The run tool also helps on defense, which along with a strong arm, makes him a solid defender at all three outfield spots. The five-tool skillset gives him a very high ceiling as he looks to continue advancing levels.

Mason Barnett, RHP

Expected level: AAA | Age 24

2024 stats (AA): 4.20 ERA, 133 IP, 161 K, 49 BB, 13 HR, 3.55 FIP

MLB Pipeline grades and scouting report:

Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45

Barnett has gotten things done in the past mainly with his above-average fastball and changeup, with his heater sitting mid 90s and reaching 99 mph, though this year he sat 94 mph and topped out at 96. He started going to his mid-80s slider (which features good bite) more and he did start to get more separation velocity-wise with his upper-70s curve. He still used his changeup, sitting around 87-88 mph, effectively at times.

The 6-foot right-hander has shown an understanding of how to get himself back in counts using his breaking stuff to do so. He throws strikes but has fringe-average control, with a goal of being more precise in the zone as he faces tougher hitters. Barnett throws from a three-quarters arm slot and sometimes shows long arm action but is otherwise clean. He gets high marks for his mentality on the mound, a bulldog personality who is cerebral in how he does it, with a chance to start long-term.

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Programming Note: Each CPL vote will run for around 48 hours, so don’t delay making your selections!