For a second straight year, the A's have four representatives among MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list, headlined by lefty A.J. Puk.
Puk, on the fast track following his first-round selection in the 2016 Draft, came in at No. 22 on the list. He's joined by left-hander Jesus Luzardo (No. 60) and infielders Franklin Barreto (No. 66) and Jorge Mateo (No. 72).
• MLB Pipeline's 2018 Top 100 Prospects list
:: Complete 2018 Top Prospects coverage ::
The annual ranking of MLB's Top 100 prospects is assembled by MLB Pipeline Draft and prospect experts Jonathan Mayo, Jim Callis and Mike Rosenbaum, who compile input from industry sources, including scouts and scouting directors. It is based on analysis of players' skill sets, upsides, proximity to the Majors and potential immediate impact to their teams. Only players with rookie status entering the 2018 season are eligible for the list. Players who were at least 25 years old when they signed and played in leagues deemed to be professional (Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Cuba) are not eligible.
Only players with rookie status entering the 2018 season are eligible for the list. Players who were at least 25 years old when they signed and played in leagues deemed to be professional (Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Cuba) are not eligible.
Puk made a big jump from the 2017 list, where he was ranked No. 69, while Barreto slipped from No. 33. Mateo was ranked No. 98 last year, and Luzardo, who at this time last year was in the Nationals' system, is new to the list.
Puk also ended his season with Double-A Midland, where he posted a 4.36 ERA over 13 starts, following a midseason promotion.
Luzardo, whose professional career has been slowed by injuries and Tommy John surgery in March 2016, has yet to pitch at the Class A level, but the A's expect big things from him this year. The 20-year-old made his professional debut last June and managed 48 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings while posting a tidy 1.66 ERA between Rookie ball and Class A Short-Season.

Barreto and Mateo, who could one day team up to form a middle-infield duo in Oakland, are expected to begin the year at Triple-A Nashville. Barreto enjoyed two brief big league stints last season but spent the bulk of his time in Nashville, where he hit .290 with 15 homers in 111 games.
Mateo, one of three players the A's acquired in the trade that sent Sonny Gray to the Yankees, swatted four home runs and hit .292 in 30 games with Midland. Prior to the trade, he had a .906 OPS in 30 games for Double-A Trenton, the Yankees' affiliate.

Puk, Barreto and Mateo will all be in big league camp with the A's this spring.