Early A's highlights from Arizona Fall League
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
Seven prospects were sent to represent the A’s in the Arizona Fall League. Some are looking to make up for lost time earlier this season due to injuries, while others seek to make adjustments and fine-tune their game ahead of 2024.
A’s assistant general manager and director of player personnel Billy Owens has been down in Arizona to take in the action from the early part of the AFL schedule. With just over two weeks of games in the books, he provided assessments on some of Oakland's young talent playing for the Mesa Solar Sox.
RHP Stevie Emanuels
AFL stats: 4 2/3 IP, 5.79 ERA, 17.36 K/9
Owens: "Stevie has looked impressive in Arizona. I see similarities to Lou Trivino when he transitioned from starter to reliever. He’s 6-foot-5 and physical. Heavy fastball up to 97 mph. Tight hook and developing slider. Tumbling changeup. Excellent mix and he’s definitely been more assertive in a full-time bullpen role."
RHP Royber Salinas
AFL stats: 7 1/3 IP, 7.36 ERA, 9.82 K/9
Owens: "Salinas reminds me of Wily Peralta visually and with his stuff. Fastball touches 98 mph. Crisp hook and swing/miss slider. High energy and aggressive on the hill. Racking up strikeouts and refining his command in Arizona."
INF Max Muncy
AFL stats: 33 AB, .222 BA, .643 OPS, 1 HR, 1 2B, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 10 K, 2 SB
Owens: "Max is building off his impressive second half at Double-A Midland. He’s tooled up and a reliable shortstop defensively. Plays with passion. His plate discipline really surged forward in Double-A. Swing has become shorter and more connected. Max’s power will amplify on the big stage. Muncy deserves to be talked about amongst the premium shortstop prospects in baseball."
RHP Jack Weisenburger
AFL stats: 2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 9 K/9
Owens: "Jack has been in attack mode out here in Arizona. Fills up the zone up to 96 mph. Mixes in a quality slider. Developing a changeup to create another look. Competitive pitcher and looking to add innings to his 2023 season."