Athletics Add More Promising Prospects on Day 2 of 2026 MLB Draft
After a strong opening day at the 2026 MLB Draft, the Athletics continued to bolster their farm system with another productive round of selections on Day 2, adding a blend of upside and developmental talent.
The A’s kicked off their draft by selecting Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress with the No. 8 overall pick. Widely regarded as one of the most polished hitters in the class, Burress was ranked No. 7 overall by many evaluators, with some projecting him as a top-five selection. Landing him at No. 8 was viewed as excellent value.
Oakland also focused on pitching during the opening day, adding several high-upside arms to strengthen an area of organizational need.
Day 2 saw the Athletics continue that approach while targeting players with intriguing long-term potential.
Nathan Aceves, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
One of the more notable additions was UC Santa Barbara right-hander Nathan Aceves, selected in the 12th round.
Aceves spent the season pitching behind fellow Gauchos ace Jackson Flora, the draft’s No. 4 overall pick. While Flora drew most of the national attention, Aceves quietly established himself as a quality prospect with a solid repertoire.
His arsenal is highlighted by a 50-grade fastball and an above-average 60-grade changeup, widely considered his best swing-and-miss pitch.
The biggest area for improvement is command. If the Athletics’ player development staff can help him throw more consistent strikes while refining his secondary offerings, Aceves has the tools to develop into a dependable starting pitcher at the professional level.
Alex Sosa, C, Miami
The Athletics also made an aggressive move in the sixth round by selecting Miami catcher Alex Sosa with an over-slot bonus.
Sosa brings intriguing offensive upside, particularly his raw power, which grades as a 55 tool and is uncommon for a player selected on Day 2 of the draft.
While his power stands out, there are questions surrounding the rest of his offensive profile. Scouts have expressed concerns about his ability to consistently hit for average, making his overall offensive development a key focus moving forward.
Defensively, Sosa’s future behind the plate is also uncertain. Some evaluators believe his catching skills may not be strong enough for him to remain at the position long term, raising the possibility of a move elsewhere in the field as he progresses through the minor leagues.
Still, his athleticism and offensive potential make him an intriguing developmental prospect for Oakland.
Interestingly, the Athletics did not select another traditional catching prospect through the first 17 rounds of the draft. That approach could signal confidence in current All-Star catcher Shea Langeliers as the organization’s long-term answer behind the plate, allowing the club to focus on adding depth and upside at other positions.
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