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The Athletics know just how important it is to make the most of their selections in the draft. This is how they build their team, especially with their smaller payroll.
They don't have the luxury of signing elite players to big-time contracts. Their biggest free agent addition in the history of the organization came when they signed Luis Severino to a three-year, $67 million deal in December 2024.
So, the front office has been quite busy over the last few months, scouting draft prospects and figuring out their needs. They were awarded the No. 8 pick, and there will certainly be some game-changers to be taken here.
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Mock draft explores how the Athletics might maximize their first-round selection
Over the last four years, the A's have taken a college player with their first-round selection, and they've been pretty solid picks. Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson are already playing a big role after being drafted in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
And that trend of taking college players might not change this year, as The Athletic's Keith Law predicts they will select LSU outfielder Derek Curiel.
"I've heard the A's all over the place in terms of player types, and I think they'd take any of the college bats I have going ahead of this pick, or maybe Ryder Helfrick instead of Cureil. If they go with a pitcher, it could be Hunter Dietz, assuming Jackson Flora is long gone."
Law also mentions the A's could take Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick as well. Or, they could go with Arkansas ace Hunter Dietz if they feel taking a pitcher with their first-round selection is the best move.
Either way, the A's will need to come into the draft with plenty of options because you never know just how the draft will play out.
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