Athletics Community Prospect List: Lin Rockets Up To #4
*In an effort to make the nomination voting easier for everyone, I will comment, “NOMINATIONS”, and you may reply to that with your picks and upvote the player you’d like to see on the next nominee list.
Well, we've officially wrapped up the first four rounds of our annual Community Prospect List, where Athletics fans get to decide the rankings instead of national media writers who might not grasp the intricacies of the A's farm system. The fourth-best prospect voting was a closer affair than the previous rounds, with left-hander Wei-En Lin emerging victorious over more well-known names like Henry Bolte and Braden Nett.
Lin, a 20-year-old native of Taiwan, has already begun turning heads in the A's system. After signing with the Athletics for $1.13 million during the 2024 international signing period, Lin seamlessly stepped into the Stockton Ports' rotation and impressed in 50 innings, earning a promotion to High-A. His ascent continued last year as he reached Double-A, albeit briefly with the Rockhounds. Lin possesses five pitches that, with refinement, could become quality offerings. Scouts predict he'll grow into his frame, enhancing his health and adding velocity to his already solid fastball.
The next prospect to join the nominees list and take Lin's spot will be right-handed pitcher Steven Echavarria. A third-round pick in 2023, Echavarria faced challenges in his first two years due to control issues on the mound. However, he boasts a fastball that can reach the upper 90s, complemented by an above-average slider and a developing changeup. It's important to note that Echavarria is still young and has time to refine his control. If he can manage his control issues, he could become a quality starter, but a move to the bullpen might also be beneficial.
The voting process is straightforward. Please read the following instructions before participating:
- Choose one player to vote for. The player with the most votes at the end will secure the top spot. The remaining four players will move on to the next ballot, joined by a new nominee.
- In the comments section, below the official voting, the community will nominate players for the next round. Use the format: "Nomination: Player Name".
- If a prospect is traded, their name will be crossed out, and all other players will move up a spot. If a prospect is acquired, a special vote will determine their ranking.
A's fans' top prospects, ranked:
- Leo De Vries
- Jamie Arnold
- Gage Jump
- Wei-En Lin
The voting continues! Who do you think is the Athletics' fifth-best prospect? Here's a quick overview of each nominee:
Henry Bolte, OF
Expected level: Triple-A | Age 22
2025 stats (AA/AAA): 488 PA, .284/.385/.427, 20 doubles, 6 triples, 9 HR, 56 RBI, 57 BB, 141 K, 44 SB
MLB Pipeline grades and scouting report:
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 65 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
Bolte is a talented athlete with a 6-foot-3 frame. His raw power is evident in the Minors, but there are concerns about his swing-and-miss tendencies and high strikeout rate. The A's have worked on improving his bat path, showing slight progress, but there's still room for growth.
Bolte's speed is near-elite, as demonstrated by his 46 stolen bases last season. His speed and strong arm make him a solid outfielder. Further development is needed, but he remains an exciting prospect with a high ceiling.
Braden Nett, RHP
Expected level: Triple-A | Age 23
2025 stats (AA): 3.75 ERA, 24 starts, 105 2/3 IP, 116 K, 48 BB, 8 HR, 3.77 FIP
MLB Pipeline grades and scouting report:
Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55 | Overall: 55
Nett has demonstrated stellar velocity, reaching 99 mph in the Minors last season. He typically sits at 95-97 mph and gets swing-and-miss results in the zone. His 81-84 mph slider had a 38% whiff rate, and he also throws a sharper 90-92 mph cutter. Nett mixes in an upper-70s curveball and a low-80s splitter, which he has replaced with a more effective 88 mph kick-change.
Nett's delivery has some effort, and his 2025 season was the first time he posted a walk rate below 13% at any Minor League stop. This, combined with early injury concerns, suggests he could be a reliever. However, his arsenal and potential keep him in the running for a starting role in the upper Minors.
Johenssy Colome, SS
Expected level: Dominican Summer League | Age 17
2025 stats: None
MLB Pipeline grades and scouting report:
Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 65 | Run: 50 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 60
Colome is a rare teenage prospect with home run power. He consistently leverages his swing well, drawing comparisons to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Colome is a right-handed hitter with explosive hands and a solid contact rate. He has been known to be a bit aggressive at the plate, seeking power.
At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds at age 16, Colome is an athletic marvel with lateral quickness. His movements and strong arm have drawn comparisons to Manny Machado. As his frame fills out, he may move off short, but his dedication and skills make him a promising prospect at the premium position.
Steven Echavarria, RHP
Expected level: Double-A | Age 20
2025 stats (A+): 4.59 ERA, 25 starts (26 appearances), 104 IP, 88 K, 42 BB, 8 HR, 4.10 FIP
MLB Pipeline grades and scouting report:
Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 45
The A's believe Echavarria's stuff is better than his overall numbers suggest. His fastball reached 98 mph and sat at 95-96 mph with good ride in the zone. Echavarria struggled with control when falling behind in counts. His mid-80s slider and upper-80s changeup are plus offerings. He also throws a two-seamer in the 92-93 mph range.
Echavarria profiles as a long-term starter with his 6-foot-1 frame and sound delivery. He will work on rediscovering control in his second season of pro ball.
Edgar Montero, SS
Expected level: Low-A | Age 19
2025 stats (DSL): 244 PA, .313/.484/.580, 14 doubles, 3 triples, 9 HR, 50 RBI, 60 BB, 54 K, 11 SB
MLB Pipeline grades and scouting report:
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
Montero is a switch-hitting shortstop who has shown the ability to impact the ball from both sides of the plate. His right-handed swing is more direct, while his left-handed swing is more picturesque. He has a solid approach, walking more than he strikes out.
Montero has improved his conditioning and nutrition, becoming leaner and stronger. He is an average runner with the instincts and actions to stick at shortstop. If his body continues to mature, he could move to third base, but the A's don't see that happening soon.
Programming Note: Each CPL vote will run for around 48 hours, so don't delay making your selections!
