Early reports on Soderstrom were of slugging 1B with middle-of-the-order power and an elevated strikeout rate. And while a hand injury sidelined him for a couple months in 2024, he demonstrated above-average barrel and hard-hit ratings, and his K rate appeared to be moving in the right direction.
I’m hoping the A’s move to Sacramento (as regrettable as it is) will prove more favorable for the team’s young sluggers. Lawrence Butler has shown his ability to adapt to major league pitching at least twice, and Shea Langeliers seems to be settling into his role as low-average slugging catcher. I’m optimistic that Soderstrom can continue to progress, and more than a little worried that Zach Gelof is running out of time.

Recently ranked the 5th best catcher in the league, Díaz is going to have to step up this season to help the Astros make up for the offensive production they lost this winter. I’m a believer—while his power is down from his rookie season, he’s improved his strikeout, walk, and hard hit rate. If he can lift the ball more, he should reclaim some power and keep progressing as one of the premier catchers in the league.