Rule 5 pick Noda might have power to stick with A’s
Amid a slew of offseason additions who have joined the Oakland A’s, Ryan Noda has a chance to be one of the team’s most impactful newcomers
The second overall pick in the Rule 5 Draft was one of the most prolific power hitters in the minor leagues over the last five years, a track record that he brings to Oakland, which finished near the bottom of the league last season in home runs.
Noda, 26, has hit 94 homers in five seasons in the minors, but his path to the big leagues has been blocked by both the Blue Jays and Dodgers organizations.
His road to an Opening Day roster spot is clear with the A’s after being drafted off the Dodgers’ roster. Noda has to stay on the A’s major league roster all season or be offered back to the Dodgers, a favorable opportunity that he’s trying to take full advantage of.
Given Noda’s combination of power and speed, his defensive versatility and the A’s recent success with Rule 5 picks — that’s how they acquired Mark Canha, Vimael Machin and Dany Jimenez — he seems to be a perfect fit.
Noda figures to get a long look in camp and into the season.
“It’s nice, I’ve definitely been grinding in the minors for awhile,” Noda said. “But it’s been nice the first couple of weeks. We got a good group of guys here, they have welcomed me with
open arms. I’m just here to keep working hard and grinding and hopefully see my name on that sheet.”
So far, the left-handed hitting Noda has made a substantial impression.
He has four hits in his first 12 at-bats, including a homer and two doubles. He’s also walked three times and scored twice.
Noda is coming off a standout 2022 season with the Oklahoma City Dodgers that saw him tie for seventh in the Pacific Coast League in home runs (25), while finishing third in on-base percentage (.395) and first in walks (92).
But as good as Noda has been to this point in his career, his biggest downfall has been his inability to limit strikeouts. Noda has become something of a three-trueoutcome-type player since he was drafted in the 15th round of the 2017 MLB Draft — nearly half of his career plate appearances have resulted in either a home run, a walk or a strikeout.
He hopes to even out his approach this spring as he eyes a spot on the A’s roster.
“I feel like everyone goes through it, but yeah I would definitely like to be more consistent throughout the whole season,” Noda said. “That is definitely a goal this year. I feel like if that happens we can have a good place to keep building off of for years to come.”