Jordan Diaz, Abraham Toro To Have Edge At Third Base
The Oakland Athletics don't have a true established option at third base entering spring training, which could lead to somewhat of a competition in camp. Jordan Diaz and newcomer Abraham Toro figure to have the edge entering spring training, with Toro's switch-hitting ability creating the possibility for a platoon situation. Another name to watch is prospect Brett Harris, who is considered close to major-league-ready after reaching Triple-A Las Vegas in 2023. Diaz, 23, wasn't anything special on offense or defense for the A's last year hitting .221 with 10 homers and 27 RBI in 90 games. Toro, 27, only played nine big-league games with the Brewers last year. Harris, 25, might have the most upside given his contact-oriented approach and solid plate discipline, but the A's third base picture will be one to avoid in mixed fantasy leagues.
Oakland Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers and outfielder Jordan Diaz are taking the day off on Wednesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. With Langeliers and Diaz out, Carlos Perez is doing the catching and hitting fifth, while Tony Kemp is starting at the keystone and is batting eighth in the lineup against Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson. Langeliers is hitting only .226 (30-for-133) on the year in 37 games (149 plate appearances), but he does have seven home runs and 20 RBI, which is solid production from the catching position. Diaz has cooled off at the plate after a nice start and is now hitting .219 (14-for-64) in 22 games this year with a double, four home runs and eight RBI in 66 plate appearances.
The Oakland Athletics are calling up No. 4 prospect Jordan Diaz, according to a source. Diaz is expected to join the team on Wednesday. The A's probably aren't calling up Diaz to the big leagues just to sit him on the bench, so he's worth a look in deep-mixed and AL-only leagues at the corner-infield spots. The 22-year-old Colombian played in 15 games with the A's in 2022, going 13-for-49 (.265) with three doubles and an RBI, and he was hitting .273 (12-for-44) with five doubles, a homer and eight RBI in 11 games for Triple-A Las Vegas before his call-up. Diaz has made elite-level contact in the minors and is starting to show more raw power, but he's also aggressive and doesn't take many walks. He also doesn't have a clear defensive position in the big leagues, so don't overspend in single-year leagues.
