The absence of a Minor League season in 2020 was not ideal for the many top prospects in the A’s farm system seeking to take the next big step in their development. However, some of those young players are now benefitting from last year’s situation.

To compensate for their games missed last season, several A’s prospects have received much more playing time than they would typically see in a Cactus League schedule, and they’ve taken advantage of it with strong performances this spring.

“Our youngsters are getting to play against higher competition,” manager Bob Melvin said. “That’s always great because you want to see your best prospects match up against some of the best players. It’s nice to be able to get them in games, and when they get hits and play well, they feel like they can play here.”

Here’s a closer look at the prospects who are making a good impression on the big league staff:

Tyler Soderstrom
Spring stats: 4-for-7 (.571), three doubles, one RBI, two strikeouts
MLB Pipeline A’s Top 30 Prospects ranking: No. 1
Age: 19

You wouldn’t know this was Soderstrom’s first big league camp based on his interactions with the more established players on the A’s. Soderstrom, Oakland’s first-round selection in the '20 MLB Draft, carries a certain confidence about himself that stands out. After putting on shows during batting practice early in camp, the young catcher continues to drive the ball in Cactus League action. His double against the D-backs on Tuesday registered at an exit velocity of 109.6 mph, according to Statcast.

“He’s getting terrific at-bats,” Melvin said. “For a guy that’s still a teenager, it’s pretty impressive to watch the type of at-bats he’s putting together at big league camp.”

Nick Allen
Spring stats: 4-for-22 (.182), two doubles, one RBI, three strikeouts, one walk
MLB Pipeline A’s Top 30 Prospects ranking: No. 3
Age: 22

Allen, who was ranked as the top defensive shortstop prospect in baseball entering '21, has been as good as advertised with the glove. He makes difficult plays look routine on the left side of the infield, showing that his defense is ready to thrive in the Major Leagues right now.

There’s a reason why Allen leads all prospects on this list in spring games played (17). He’s on the cusp of reaching the big leagues and likely would have been a strong candidate to begin the regular season in Oakland had the club not traded for Elvis Andrus last month. Just needing some at-bats at Triple-A to fine-tune his approach at the plate, Allen is getting close to being able to thrill fans at the Oakland Coliseum with his defensive wizardry.

“He looks a little bit stronger than last year,” Melvin said. “He’s looked like a different guy at the plate. I know he didn’t get to play games last year, but he used his time wisely at the alternate site and developed.”

Daulton Jefferies
Spring stats: Four games pitched, 1-0 record, 2.00 ERA, 13 strikeouts and three walks in nine innings
MLB Pipeline A’s Top 30 Prospects ranking: No. 4
Age: 25

Jefferies seems to have put his rough Major League debut from last season completely in the rearview mirror. The right-hander continues to show a supreme command of his pitches and is even in the mix for a spot in the Opening Day rotation as veteran righty Mike Fiers deals with inflammation in his left hip that has kept him out of Cactus League action. Regardless of where Jefferies begins the regular season, he figures to make an impact on the A’s pitching staff at some point this year.

“He continues to work on his command, which he’s always had, and trying to build more confidence up as he goes along,” Melvin said. “We continue to try to find spots for him this spring where he can get his pitch count up and continue to dig for a job.”

Logan Davidson
Spring stats: 4-for-9 (.444), one home run, one double, five RBIs, two strikeouts, two walks, one stolen base
MLB Pipeline A’s Top 30 Prospects ranking: No. 5
Age: 23

Davidson is one of a few shortstops who have been working closely with former A’s shortstop and 2004 AL Rookie of the Year Bobby Crosby, who is now a coach in the A’s Minor League system. The alliance with Crosby makes a lot of sense for Davidson given the parallels between the two, both first-round picks with high expectations among those in the organization.

Continually refining his swing, the switch-hitting Davidson has developed more power to the opposite field from the left side. He’s also added some muscle to his 6-foot-3 frame, which should help both in the power department and with his durability.

“He’s bigger and stronger,” Melvin said. “The more he gets to play and the more at-bats he gets, the more confident he’s going to be. He’s going to be a good player.”