Sean Manaea

Position: RHSP
Level: Triple-A
Affiliate: Nashville Sounds
League:
Age: 24
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 245
B/T: Right / Left
Acquired: 1st Rd. (CBA), 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft (KCR); Acquired in trade for B. Zobrist 7/28/15 (OAK)

Prospect Spotlight

Manaea is very close to major-league ready and is in Triple-A to put the finishing touches on his game. His changeup has been inconsistent in his first two starts, but that pitch has improved for him considerably over the past nine months, and it should be a workable pitch in the big leagues. He still needs to trust the pitch and work it inside more. The fastball and slider are both plus offerings. Manaea had a mild groin strain late in spring training, so he was pushed back to the fifth-starter spot at the beginning of the season to make sure he was completely recovered from the injury. His fastball has sat 92-to-94 mph in his first two starts and he hides the ball well, making it tough on hitters. His slider has a heavy bite. Command has been an issue for Manaea in the past, but he is commanding his two primary pitches much better so far this season. He has walked only two over his first 12 innings. Manaea’s pick-off move is still awkward and it needs work, a good example of polishing that he’ll be focused on before the A’s call him up. – Melissa Lockard