Leo De Vries is learning a new position. What isn't new, however, is his ability to hit and hit and hit.
De Vries, the No. 2 prospect in MLB, picked up three hits for Double-A Midland against Frisco at Momentum Bank Ballpark on Saturday. The A's prized prospect also recorded two stolen bases, two runs scored, a walk and an RBI. It was the 19-year-old's third straight game with multiple knocks, raising his slash line on the year to .281/.365/.418 in 38 games.
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De Vries also started at third base for the sixth time in his past seven games. Traditionally a shortstop, de Vries has been open about playing wherever on the diamond if it helps clear his path to the Majors. The move to the hot corner was made primarily out of need by the A's as Max Muncy's fractured left hand created a chain reaction that led to the promotion of Tommy White, the A's No. 9 prospect, from Midland to Triple-A Las Vegas.
But the A's also want to expand De Vries' defensive versatility. With plus tools across the board, the switch-hitter is already one of the top dual-threat players offensively in the Minors. His two steals on Saturday give him 13 on the season. He also has five home runs and 10 extra-base hits.
"It’s a really good problem to have,” A's general manager David Forst said recently. “We have an All-Star shortstop [in Jacob Wilson] here who is now legitimately playing Gold Glove-level defense, then a 19-year-old who can play the position in Double-A and hitting over .300. These are first-world problems. We’ll figure it out, but it makes sense to give [De Vries] some opportunity at some other spots."
De Vries, who won't turn 20 until October 11, could break into the big leagues at some point this year. His future may be at third or shortstop or some other position to be determined. But his immense talent remains unquestionable.