*In order to make efforts Nomination voting To make it easier for everyone, I will comment “Nominations” and you can reply with your choices and vote for the players you would like to see on the next nomination list.
Ranking No. 18 on our annual Community Prospects list is the speedy and powerful outfielder Junior Perez. Perez has been one of the more under-the-radar prospects in the Athletics farm system, and he opened some eyes when he arrived at Triple-A last year. Even in hitter’s paradise, Perez’s .298/.412/.642 is 43 percent better than league average. Combined with his legitimate power (26 long balls between Double-A and Triple-A last season), quality speed on the basepaths (27 steals between the two levels) and the ability to handle all three outfield positions, the right-wing-swinging Perez looks like a late bloomer who shouldn’t be an option for the A’s next season.
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Next to join the nominees is the right-hander Chen Zhong Aozhuang. The right-hander spent the past season at Double-A and set a career high with 145 innings pitched. His strikeout and walk rates are pretty solid, but he also got tagged for an insane 22 home runs last year. He’ll need to do better in the coming seasons, especially as he ascends to Triple-A hitter’s paradise.
The process for this public vote is explained below. Please take a moment to read this article before participating:
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Please only cast one vote. The player with the most votes at the end of voting will receive a ranking spot. The remaining four candidates will advance to the next ballot, where new nominees will join them.
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In the comments, below the official vote, the community will Nominate players for the next round of voting. Your comment should be formatted as “Nomination: Contestant Name.”
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If a lead is tradedhis name will be crossed out and all other players will move up one space. If the prospect is acquireda special vote will be held to determine the player’s ranking.
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Ranking of the most promising players for A’s fans:
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Voting continues! It’s time to vote for the 19th best candidate in the system. Here’s a brief overview of each nominee – scouting ratings (20 to 80) and scouting reports from MLB Pipeline.
Nominees currently on the ballot:
Cade Morris, RHP
Expected rating: AAA | Age: 23
2025 Statistics (AA/AAA): 4.38 ERA, 28 starts, 150 IP, 128 K, 48 BB, 16 HR, 4.71 FIP
MLB Pipeline Grades and Scouting Reports:
Scout level: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 40
Morris increased the velocity of his four-seam fastball to about 95-96 mph and also threw a sinker with good arm-side movement in the 92-95 range. His mid-80s slider has developed into an above-average secondary. His mid-70s curveball provides good pitch variation, though he’s still working on making his pitch more consistent, while his mid-80s changeup has also improved.
Morris is 6 feet 3 inches tall and has a strong build. His competitive drive comes to the fore every time he steps on the mound. Discovering the most consistent right arm slot was the next big step in his development. How that develops as he moves through the system may determine his long-term role, although he’s positioned as a back-end starter given his overall tone package and solid control.
AJ Causey, RHP
Expected Grade: Double-A | Age: 23
2025 Stats (A+/AA): 1.72 ERA, 48 appearances, 73 1/3 IP, 75 K, 18 BB, 0 HR, 2.28 FIP
Causey excels at hitting a fastball that sits around 90 mph, but that’s because he has a funky sidearm delivery that helps him move wildly and deceive with his arsenal. Causey excelled in his first full pro season, posting a 1.72 ERA at High-A Quad-Cities and Double-A Northwest Arkansas. He’s quick, has a different look and could be a part of the Royals bullpen for years to come.
Causey started the year with a sinker, changeup and cleanup ball, but this season he added a four-seam fastball to help him at the top of the zone. After years of working on adding a cutter, Causey finally found something that works with a four-seam machine.
Chenzhong Aozhuang, RHP
Expected Grade: Double-A | Age: 25
2025 Statistics (AA): 4.08 ERA, 26 starts (28 appearances), 145 2/3 IP, 145 K, 35 BB, 22 HR, 4.19 FIP
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MLB Pipeline Grades and Scouting Reports:
Scout level: Fastball: 45 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 550 | Control: 55 | Overall: 40
Zhuang relies heavily on his four-seam fastball, which can reach 95 mph but usually hovers in the 90-93 mph range. He can also throw a low-80s finger move and has good diving moves. His arsenal includes a slider in the low 80s, a curveball in the mid-70s with good bend and a changeup in the low 80s.
Chong does have an injury history, which raises real concerns about whether he can continue to be a starter, even though he has the pitching package needed for the role. He has good command, as evidenced by his low on-base percentage. For now, the Athletics are enjoying watching the rise of the man nicknamed “Z-Man” by many in the organization. He’s firmly on their radar, and his age could actually help him move up quickly if he continues to be successful.
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, SS
Expected Grade: Double-A | Age: 23
2025 Stats (A+/AA):549 PA, .296/.359/.372, 30 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 47 RBI, 40 BB, 49 K, 27 SB
MLB Pipeline Grades and Scouting Reports:
Scouting level: Hits: 55 | Power: 40 | Running: 60 | Arms: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
Kuroda-Grauer’s athletic frame and hard-working mentality remind some in the Athletics organization of a young Marcus Semien. While he may never possess Semien-esque power, his high-level ability to make frequent contact and rarely strike out is reminiscent of another more compelling top prospect in Jacob Wilson. His advanced approach to hitting allows him to calculate and make good decisions with simple swings. His power is still below average, although the Athletics believe he can grow into a player with some extra pop, with a 15-home run cap.
There is a speed element to Kuroda-Grauer’s game, and while he may not be a burner, his 40 stolen bases in college suggest he can be a decent threat on the basepaths. Defensively, his arm is average, but his overall glove and instincts give him a chance at shortstop and as a backup at second base. Coupled with his outstanding hitting skills, Kuroda-Grauer enters his first full professional season with a chance to rise quickly in the system.
Yunior Tull (RHP)
Expected rating: AAA | Age: 26
2025 Stats (A+/AA/AAA): 3.29 ERA, 26 starts (30 appearances), 125 2/3 IP, 130 K, 60 BB, 7 HR, 3.79 FIP
According to Keith Law of Athletics:
Tour is 26 years old but spent several seasons in Cuba’s national Serie A before signing with the A team ahead of the 2023 season. He started almost all of last year, from High A to Triple A, although I consider him a straight-up reliever. He goes right over the top, sitting at 96 with some ride, and a 55 splitter and low 90 cutter that doesn’t miss a lot of bats. The slider is fringed, and because of the arm grooves he’s very north-south. He can now pitch in a major league bullpen.
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