Episode Details

This episode of Locked On A’s dives deep into two very different — but equally important — paths inside the A’s farm system. First, we break down the rise of Japanese two-way sensation Shotaro Morii, an 18-year-old who skipped NPB, signed directly with the A’s, and spent 2025 adjusting to American baseball in Arizona. From his advanced plate discipline and power flashes to the deliberate decision to delay his pitching debut, we explain who Morii is, what he showed in his first pro season, and why his development represents a philosophical shift in how the A’s are willing to bet on upside.

Then we shift to Lansing, Michigan, where speed and disruption defined Cameron Leary’s breakout 2025 campaign. The former 10th-round pick electrified the basepaths across two levels of A-ball, piling up 56 stolen bases, a .383 on-base percentage, and earning a midseason promotion to High-A. We break down Leary’s month-long July tear, his adjustment to tougher pitching in Lansing, and why his combination of patience, speed, and competitiveness makes him one of the most underrated prospects in the system. Two prospects. Two timelines. One clear theme: the A’s are rebuilding by leaning into development, pressure, and players who make things happen.

Shotaro Morii, Cameron Leary, A’s prospects, Athletics farm system, A’s minor league prospects, Japanese MLB prospects, two-way player MLB, A’s international signings, Arizona Complex League A’s, Stockton Ports, Lansing Lugnuts, A’s outfield prospects, stolen bases MLB prospects, speed and OBP prospects, A’s rebuild, Locked On A’s, A’s player development, A’s future core

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