Beyond the Top 30: Uncovering the Athletics' Hidden Gems in 2026
Earlier this year, Baseball America unveiled their highly anticipated list of the Top 30 Athletics Prospects for 2026. But what about the players who were knocking on the door, just missing the cut? These are the athletes who could surprise us all with breakout seasons or carve out successful MLB careers. Today, we're diving deeper into the Athletics' farm system to spotlight the next 10 prospects you need to know. (For a complete list of players who just missed their respective teams' Top 30s, check out Baseball America's comprehensive index.)
31. Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang (RHP)
This 24-year-old right-hander has been a model of consistency in the minors, showcasing a diverse pitch mix and impressive command. Zhuang's fastball sits in the low-90s, ranging from 88-96 mph, and he pairs it with a deceptive low-80s changeup that fades away from batters. He also throws a slider, curveball, and splitter, giving him a well-rounded arsenal. While scouts question whether his stuff is overpowering enough for the big leagues, Zhuang's feel for spin and polish suggest he could develop into a reliable starter. But here's where it gets controversial: Can a pitcher with less-than-overwhelming stuff truly succeed at the highest level?
32. Euribiel Angeles (2B)
Angeles, once stuck in High-A Lansing for three seasons, found his stride in 2025, reaching Triple-A Las Vegas. The 23-year-old is a contact-first hitter with exceptional bat-to-ball skills, but his aggressive approach and low launch angles limit his power potential. He projects as a utility infielder, but could his refined contact skills and newfound momentum propel him into a more prominent role? Is Angeles destined for a bench role, or can he defy expectations and become a starter?
33. Ricky Duran (SS)
Signed for $1.05 million in the Athletics' 2026 international class, Duran is a well-rounded teenager with a strong chance to stick at shortstop. His quick, gap-to-gap swing generates doubles power, which could increase as he matures. Duran is also a plus defender with a strong arm and above-average speed. At just 19, he's already showing signs of being a five-tool player. Could Duran be the Athletics' shortstop of the future, or will he face stiff competition from other prospects?
34. Nate Nankil (OF)
Nankil boasts an athletic build, sound swing decisions, and above-average raw power, although it didn't fully translate into in-game production in 2025. Despite an uphill, pull-heavy swing, he maintained an impressive 80.8% contact rate. A solid runner, he's projected to handle all three outfield positions. Can Nankil tap into his raw power and become a legitimate threat at the plate, or will he remain a toolsy player who never quite puts it all together?
35. Davis Diaz (C)
Once a highly regarded high schooler, Diaz was drafted in the eighth round in 2024 and converted from infielder to catcher, where the Athletics see above-average potential. He spent most of 2025 behind the plate, showcasing a unique blend of bat-to-ball skills, patience, and defensive versatility. However, he's yet to unlock his full impact. Will Diaz's conversion to catcher pay off, or is he better suited for a utility role?
36. Grant Richardson (LHP)
After missing 2024 due to elbow surgery, Richardson was drafted in the sixth round in 2025 for $400,000. He sat 92-94 mph in instructs, touching 97, and paired his fastball with a solid gyro slider. The Athletics are encouraged by the improvement of his changeup, which could be crucial in determining his future role. As a primarily two-pitch lefty in college, Richardson faced relief concerns, but his development of a third pitch could change that. Can Richardson overcome his injury history and become a starter, or is the bullpen his ultimate destination?
37. Jefferson Jean (RHP)
At just 20 years old, Jean has tantalizing raw ingredients, including a mid-90s fastball that touches 98 and the best slider in the system. However, his lack of consistency, as evidenced by a 14.6% walk rate and 21 hit batters in 87 innings, raises questions about his future. His power arsenal likely fits best in a bullpen role, but could he develop the command necessary to start, or is he destined for relief?
38. Cameron Leary (OF)
A 10th-round pick from Boston College in 2024, Leary is one of the system's most dynamic baserunners with above-average power potential. However, his swing-and-miss tendencies, particularly on high fastballs, and pull-heavy approach need refinement. The Athletics worked with him in instructs to tighten his swing and reduce empty opposite-field fly balls. Can Leary make the necessary adjustments to become a well-rounded hitter, or will his flaws hold him back?
39. Rodney Green (OF)
Green was a toolsy power-speed threat at California, but struggled with strikeouts after signing for $1 million as a fourth-rounder in 2024. While he showed encouraging contact skills in his brief pro debut, he fanned 33.2% of the time at High-A in 2025 before being demoted to Low-A. A plus runner and above-average defender in center field, Green's contact skills need significant improvement. Will Green's tools translate into production, or is he a classic case of potential unfulfilled?
40. Dylan Fien (C)
Standing at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, the 19-year-old switch-hitting catcher showed solid contact skills with Low-A Stockton in 2025. The Athletics believe he'll develop above-average raw power in time. Currently, he excels at backspinning the ball to the opposite field as a left-handed hitter. However, his glove has lagged behind his bat since high school and remains a work in progress. Can Fien develop into a complete catcher, or will his defensive limitations hold him back?
As we've seen, these prospects represent a fascinating mix of potential and uncertainty. Which of these players do you think will surpass expectations and make a name for themselves in the big leagues? And which ones do you think will fall short of their potential? Let us know in the comments below!
