5 new faces who will help the Athletics in 2017

The Oakland Athletics have made a habit of plucking players out of relative obscurity to produce at the big league level. Outfielder Khris Davis teased his power potential for years in Milwaukee, but never truly broke out until his first year with the A's.

Corner infielder Ryon Healy was a 2016 rookie with little fanfare surrounding him. He was Oakland's 20th overall prospect in 2015 but proceeded to hit .305 with 13 home runs in 72 games in his first stint at the big-league level. Joey Wendle came more highly touted, but it was Healy who made the bigger impact during their rookie seasons.

Their farm system remains strong, and there are several more names who should make the jump to the MLB roster very soon. Here are the five most exciting options.

Franklin Barreto, Shortstop

Barreto is the final piece the Athletics received from Toronto in the Josh Donaldson trade. He only played four games at Triple-A, but didn't skip a beat from his Double-A success. He hit 10 home runs and stole 30 bases in 119 Double-A games and would be a defensive upgrade over incumbent shortstop Marcus Semien.

Frankie Montas, Pitcher

Another recent acquisition, Montas was part of the massive haul the A's received from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Rich Hill and Josh Reddick. Jharel Cotton has already made a name for himself in the rotation and Montas may not be far behind. Montas barely struggled through the minor leagues and could help in the bullpen if there isn't room in the rotation.

Matt Chapman, Third Baseman

With Healy likely taking the designated hitter/first base role, newly acquired Trevor Plouffe will fill the void at third base. Plouffe spent much of 2016 injured and was surprisingly non-tendered in Minnesota.

If he plays well, don't be surprised if the A's ship Plouffe elsewhere to make room for Chapman. The 23-year-old strikes out a ton, but hit 38 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A. He balances his whiff rate by drawing a fair amount of walks, but with a little polish he could be a big-time contributor soon.

Daniel Gossett, Pitcher

Gossett is more of a fringe prospect than a blue-chipper. He managed decent strikeout numbers throughout the minor leagues before punching out only four batters in 13 2/3 innings at Triple-A. It's too small a sample size to be sure. The appealing thing about him is his command, something pitchers his age often lack.

His ascendance also allows the A's to exercise more patience regarding 20-year-old Grant Holmes, who may be the best pitching prospect Oakland has. For Gossett to get a look, staff ace Sonny Gray may need to be dealt, which seems like it could happen sooner rather than later.

Jaycob Brugman, Outfielder

Brugman turned 25 in January, so it's around the time when he's either going to get the call or be declared a career minor-leaguer. He should make the grade. Brugman is expected to play throughout spring training, and he can fill all three outfield positions.

Not much of a speed or power threat, Brugman is poised to be more of a utility option, but one who could definitely come in handy as a left-handed bat off the bench with solid defensive upside. The aforementioned Healy was even less highly regarded, so Brugman could be another diamond in the rough.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)