Athletics' Top Prospect Faces Franchise's Long-Term Vision

Leo De Vries joins Oakland with high expectations, but the team's history of trading young talent raises questions.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Oakland Athletics have acquired top prospect Leo De Vries from the San Diego Padres, sparking excitement and skepticism among fans. While the A's have a reputation for developing talent, they've also been known to trade away young stars before they reach the expensive stages of their careers. As De Vries, a highly-touted shortstop, joins the organization, there are questions about whether he will be able to anchor a contending team in Oakland or if he'll eventually be part of another trade package.

Why it matters

The De Vries acquisition is a crucial test for the Athletics' long-term vision. The team has a history of building up young talent only to trade them away, which has frustrated fans. If the A's can hold onto De Vries and help him develop into an impact player, it could signal a shift in the organization's approach and provide hope for a sustained contender in Oakland.

The details

De Vries, a 19-year-old shortstop, was previously viewed as the top prospect in the Padres' system. He's known for his advanced plate discipline, compact swing, and strong defensive skills at shortstop. The Athletics are expected to take a patient approach with his development, allowing him to climb the minor league levels without rushing him to the majors.

  • De Vries was acquired by the Athletics in a trade with the Padres in February 2026.

The players

Leo De Vries

A 19-year-old shortstop who was the top prospect in the San Diego Padres' system before being traded to the Oakland Athletics.

Matt Olson

A former Athletics player who developed into an impact big leaguer after coming through the organization's system.

Matt Chapman

Another former Athletics player who became an impact big leaguer after being developed by the organization.

Marcus Semien

A player who also developed into an impact big leaguer after coming through the Athletics' system.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When Leo De Vries signed with the San Diego Padres, the buzz felt real. San Diego did not treat him like a depth piece. It paid for upside and projected him as a long-term shortstop.”

— Chris Pownall, Contributor

“The frustration comes later. Olson and Chapman were dealt before reaching the expensive stages of their careers. The teardown in 2022 sent several recognizable names elsewhere. It felt less like a reset and more like a liquidation.”

— Chris Pownall, Contributor

What’s next

The Athletics will need to carefully manage De Vries' development, allowing him to progress through the minor leagues at a measured pace without rushing him to the majors. The team's ability to retain and build around De Vries will be a key test of their long-term vision.

The takeaway

The acquisition of Leo De Vries represents a crucial moment for the Athletics, as they look to break their pattern of developing young talent only to trade it away before it reaches its full potential. If the A's can successfully integrate and retain De Vries, it could signal a shift in the organization's approach and provide hope for a sustained contender in Oakland.