Arizona Fall League: Mesa Solar Sox Prospect Report

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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 20: Fireworks light up the sky after a game between the New York Yankees and the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum on May 20, 2016 in Oakland, California. The Yankees won 8-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***’n /

Prospect on the Rise: Sheldon Neuse (OAK)

Stats: .271 AVG, 15 R, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 7 BB

2017 was a season of firsts for Oakland Athletics’ prospect Sheldon Neuse.

For one, the 22-year old was embarking on his first full professional season following a brief 36-game cameo last year. Furthermore, he was traded just over 13 months after being drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 2016 MLB Draft. Also, he earned two in-season promotions, finishing his campaign in Double-A.

In other words, Neuse had an eventful, not to mention productive, regular season. And, nothing has changed in the AFL.

After hitting .321 with 16 home runs and 79 RBIs, the Oklahoma University product has added four more home runs and a team-high 18 RBIs in Arizona. In college, Neuse split time between shortstop and relief pitcher; yet, 18 months into his MiLB career and hitting has not been the issue, strikeouts have.

As many young prospects, Neuse has a high strikeout percentage. During the regular season, he struck out in 23.2 percent of plate appearances, which included a strikeout rate of nearly 30 percent in 73 plate appearances with Double-A Midland.

In Arizona, Neuse has made strides in plate discipline; His strikeout rate is down to 18.1 percent. Additionally, he is drawing more walks, especially as of late.

Of course, a stint in Arizona with poor discipline will not break the now third baseman’s career. Yet, there are encouraging signs from Neuse as he has struck out just twice, while walking three times, in his past 23 plate appearances.

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