This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
Nate Nankil is not the first name that jumps out when you look back at the A’s 2023 MLB Draft class. He does not rank among the club's Top 30 Prospects list, but outside of No. 1 prospect Jacob Wilson, Nankil might be the top performer from that group so far.
Nankil began the year at Single-A Stockton. He had a .285/.401/.460 slash line with 10 home runs, 20 doubles and 56 RBIs in 83 games. These stats earned Nankil a promotion on July 30 to High-A Lansing, where the numbers have only improved. Since joining the Lugnuts, Nankil is slashing .373/.424/.470 in 22 games.
“Nate is having an exciting season,” A's assistant general manager and director of player personnel Billy Owens said. “He carries a well-rounded skill set. Rangy frame with room for additional strength. Good athlete and a powerful throwing arm.”
Nankil, a seventh-round selection by the A’s in the 2023 MLB Draft, starred on Cal State Fullerton's '23 squad -- helping the Titans snap a five-year NCAA Tournament drought -- hitting .317 with a .384 on-base percentage, 21 doubles and five homers in 55 games.
Going through his first full professional season has quickly made a strong impression on the A’s scouting department. Owens linked Nankil, who has played all three outfield spots this season, to Red Sox outfielder Rob Refsnyder.
“Both have a knack for putting the barrel on the baseball,” Owens said. “He could be a 20-homer type of player eventually. He also plays with an edge and brings that energy.”
With a few weeks left in the regular season, Nankil will look to put the finishing touches on what has been a stellar campaign that should help him jump up Oakland’s prospect rankings heading into next season.