Soderstrom and Butler Heading to Futures Game

Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images

June 27, 2023

Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler will compete in this year’s Futures Game. This has been a season of incredible highs and lows for the fan base of the Oakland Athletics. On April 19, ownership announced their intentions on moving the franchise to Las Vegas, Nevada. On June 13, the legislature of Nevada approved funding for the move to the strip. Also on June 13, the infamous reverse boycott put on by the fans to protest the move.

The last link left is the rest of the owners voting to allow the relocation. What has been happening on the field can feel like an after thought. This may be a good thing, seeing as the Athletics are the worst team in baseball this year. They were the first team to lose 60 games, and they could possibly have the worst run differential in baseball history by season’s end. Through their first 80 games, their run differential sits a -224. The Oakland A’s run differential for the entire 162 game season in 2022 was -202.

With all that the organization has faced this season both on and off the field, fans are looking anywhere they can to find some hope moving forward. Although they have the the eighth worst farm system in baseball according to Bleacher Reports farm system updates, they have had a few prospects shine this season. The biggest stand outs this season have been catcher/DH Tyler Soderstrom and first baseman/outfielder Lawrence Butler. Both were named on Monday to compete in the Futures game on July 8 as a part of the All Star festivities. Giving a quick glimpse into the future of what could be for the Athletics.

Tyler Soderstrom

Tyler Soderstrom is a CA native coming from Turlock. Generally considered A’s territory in California. The 21 year old was the Athletics first round draft pick in the 2020 amateur players draft. Drafted 26th overall from Turlock High School, Soderstrom quickly took over the spot of #1 prospect in the Athletics organization and will stay there until he gets his call up to the big leagues. He is the 35th overall prospect in all of baseball according to MLB.com.

Soderstrom quickly proved himself in the organization. He played the entire 2021 season at Low-A Stockton, but went from High-A Lansing to Triple-A Las Vegas in 2022. The PCL is known for being offense friendly, and Soderstrom has not disappointed this season for Las Vegas. In 247 at bats this season, Soderstrom is slashing .255/.302/.526. 15 doubles, 3 triples, 16 home runs and 51 RBI show his production at the plate. He is fourth in home runs and 9th in the Pacific Coast League.

The organization is in the perfect spot right now for taking their time with calling up Soderstrom from Triple-A. Two of the best players for them have been first baseman Ryan Noda and catcher Shea Langeliers. This gives them time to ensure that Soderstrom is ready and has a spot when his time comes. As frustrating as it may be for fans, they will most likely slow walk his progression in an attempt to have him with some service time left going into the new stadium in Las Vegas.

Lawrence Butler

Unlike Tyler Soderstrom, Lawrence Butler is a relatively new name to most Athletics fans. A 6th round pick in the 2018 draft, Lawrence has spent his fair share of time around the Arizona Fall League and their low/high-A affiliates. Finally making it out of the A division this season, spending most of it in Midland, the A’s Double-A affiliate. He is the 7th ranked prospect in the Athletics organization, and is not ranked in the top 100 nationally. Butler’s big breakout with the team came this year in spring training where he impressed the entire organization. In eight Cactus League games, Butler went 8-for-14 (.571) with three doubles, a triple, a home run, and seven RBI. Earning himself the trip to Double-A Lansing to start the year.

Butler’s Time in Double-A

Something flipped in Butlers game after spring training. He struggled to start his career hitting just .190 with a .601 OPS in Rookie Ball. Carrying the confidence from Spring, Butler has taken off offensively. This season in Double-A, Butler is hitting .273/.344/.454 in 256 plate appearances. His 24 extra base hits and 38 RBI underscore his productivity this season. On top of the standard hitting traits, Butler has 10 stolen bases, 25 walks, and 42 runs. He has shown that he even has some skills that Soderstrom hasn’t shown at the plate. One of those skills is discipline.

Butler also seems like a player the Athletics will wait to call up closer to the move to Las Vegas. He just hasn’t shown a large enough sample size to say he is ready to compete quite yet. MLB.com lists his projected call up at 2025, but don’t be surprised to see him spend even more time down in the minors. Especially if the new stadium isn’t built yet and they are playing in some Triple-A facility some where.