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Oakland Athletics Top 10 Prospects for 2017

By Benjamin Chase

May 23, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Oakland Athletics hat, glove and ball lay in the dugout at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Oakland Athletics hat, glove and ball lay in the dugout at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. Lazaro Armenteros, OF

Birthdate: 5/22/99 (17 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: none
Stats in 2016: none

Arguably the most highly-regarded Cuban talent to leave the island, “Lazarito” signed as a Cuban defector soon after turning 17 years old. He was considered one of the biggest “prizes” of the 2016-2017 international free agent market.

Lazarito is a guy who has legit plus potential in every tool, if not already displaying plus ability in those tools. To start, he’s incredibly athletic, with his run tool being his best grade, a likely plus plus tool. This helps him to be an elite defender in the outfield, and his plus arm would allow him to be able to handle any outfield position.

Lazarito is a guy who has legit plus potential in every tool

Armenteros has played in some international competitions, and he’s shown an ability to handle high-end pitching in those situations. He has a smooth swing that generates big power in the cage.

He’s got a bit of a lofted approach to his swing, which could lead to some issues in contact and strikeout rate, but he’s athletic enough that he could definitely be coached up in this.

Lazarito will likely start in Oakland’s short-season teams.

Next: #3

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