Dillon Overton

The 24-year old left-hander was a second round pick of the A's in 2013 and underwent Tommy John surgery soon after he was drafted. After only throwing 37 innings in a shortened 2014 season, the A's cut Overton loose a bit more in 2015 as he threw 126 innings across High-A and Double-A. Overton started 25 games and posted a strong 3.43 ERA while striking out 106 batters. His K/9 dropped dramatically in 2015 as his innings expanded, dropping from 12.9 K/9 in his abbreviated 2014 season to 7.7 K/9 in 2015. Overton will likely begin the 2016 season in the Double-A rotation and has a chance to quickly rise up the system, especially if he can find a bit of the dominance he exhibited in 2014.

Overton made his professional debut in 2014 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in August of 2013. A second-round pick in 2013 out of the University of Oklahoma, Overton made 13 starts between rookie ball and Low-A and fared quite well. The A's were very careful with his innings and he only threw 37 frames over his 12 starts last season. In those 37 innings, Overton was dominant, striking out 53 batters with an ERA of 1.95.The A's will look to build up Overton's arm strength in 2015, likely having him begin the year at High-A Stockton. With a healthy season, Overton has the potential to skyrocket up prospect lists, as he offers a plus breaking ball and a very good changeup to complement his low-90s fastball, with the polish and command necessary to pound the strike zone.