2023 Oakland A's Draft Recap
The OAKLAND A’s have not been without controversy in 2023, but the theoretical move to Vegas does not need any more coverage. So this is the J’s 2023 OAKLAND A’s draft recap. In the first ever MLB draft lottery, The A’s were unfortunately handed down the sixth pick for the 2023 draft lottery despite being tied for the best odds at the number one pick. With this pick they selected Jacob Wilson out of Grand Canyon University. Wilson only struck out five times in 217 plate appearances with the Antelopes while hitting .412. Wilson has looked like a great contact bat and defensively sound shortstop in his time with GCU, all signs point to that continuing in the green and gold.
The Athletics second draft selection and overall pick number 39 was Myles Naylor. Myles is the third brother of the Naylor family who has been selected in the MLB Draft. Headlined by Cleveland Guardians 1st baseman Josh Naylor. Although many hoped Myles would land in Cleveland with his brothers, Oakland can be the perfect place for Myles to blossom just as Josh has. Myles was also graded as the number one rated Canadian highschooler heading into the draft According to Perfect Game.
With the 41st overall pick, Ryan Lasko was selected from Rutgers University. The 21 year old out of Rutgers slashed .330/.428/1.010 in his junior campaign in a season where Rutgers had a record of 33-23 but failed to qualify for the NCAA final tournament. Lasko has shown flashes of power, but only time will tell if that can transform into major league results.
The 3rd round selection for Oakland was Steven Echavarria out of Millburn HS in New Jersey. The RHP only gave up TWO earned runs and racked up 80 strikeouts in 50 innings of work. Yet, the path from high school to the big leagues is a challenging one. High school prospects often require refining and development to reach their full potential. As he matures and gains experience, he has the opportunity to blossom into a power pitcher who can rank up strikeouts in volume.
Other Notable Oakland Selections: Nathan Dettmer- Texas A&M (2 time SEC Pitcher of the Week)
Jonah Cox- Oral Roberts (Held a 47 game hitting streak & Third Team All American Honors)
Wilson, Naylor, Lasko, Echavarria, and more hope to lay the foundation of a new Oakland movement. These draft selections bring a mix of legacy, potential, and raw talent to the organization, promising a new chapter in OAKLAND Athletics history.
