The Oakland Athletics have significantly fortified their farm system, acquiring a promising cohort of five prospects at the recent MLB Trade Deadline. This strategic influx of talent has immediately reshaped the organizational depth chart, with all five new additions swiftly integrating into the Athletics’ Top 30 prospect rankings, signaling a clear intent to build a formidable future contender.
Headlining this impressive haul is Leo De Vries, a prodigious talent widely considered one of the most impactful prospects ever dealt at the deadline. The 18-year-old infielder instantly commands the No. 1 spot within the Athletics’ system and is remarkably ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in all of Major League Baseball. De Vries recently commenced his journey with the High-A Lansing affiliate, showcasing glimpses of the extraordinary potential scouts have labeled as ‘superstar in the making,’ despite being several years away from his anticipated MLB debut.
Further bolstering the pitching depth, the Athletics secured right-handed pitcher Braden Nett from the San Diego Padres. Formerly the Padres’ third-ranked prospect, Nett now stands as the Athletics’ No. 5 prospect, having been assigned to the Double-A Midland Rockhounds. His arrival provides another high-upside arm within the organization, adding quality to the upper echelons of the minor league system.
Another astute acquisition from the Padres is right-handed pitcher Henry Baez, who many observers consider the most underrated piece in the return package. Baez demonstrated exceptional prowess with the Padres’ Double-A affiliate, pitching with remarkable command and effectiveness. He is now ranked as the Athletics’ No. 9 prospect and, while listed on the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators roster, his official reporting status remains pending, hinting at a potential immediate impact once he joins the club.
Rounding out the trade with the Padres, the Athletics also welcomed right-handed relief pitcher Eduarniel Núñez. Núñez has already made the leap to the Athletics’ big league roster, a testament to his immediate readiness. Ranked as the organization’s No. 17 prospect, he possesses two distinct plus pitches, offering immediate bullpen support to a pitching staff that recently saw a key departure. While his command requires refinement, his raw talent suggests significant future improvement.
From a separate transaction, the Athletics acquired right-handed pitcher Kenya Huggins in exchange for infielder Andujar. Huggins, now the Athletics’ No. 27 prospect, has been assigned to the High-A Lansing affiliate, joining fellow new acquisition Leo De Vries. His statistical line of a 3.69 ERA with 57 strikeouts across 63 1/3 innings underscores his solid performance and potential to contribute as he develops through the minor league pipeline.
Collectively, these strategic acquisitions represent a pivotal moment for the Oakland Athletics. The bolstered farm system is arguably the strongest it has been in over a decade, providing a robust pipeline of talent essential for sustained success. The organization is now strategically positioned to target contention by the 2026 season, with this new wave of prospects forming the foundational pillars of their ambitious long-term plans.
