Leo De Vries will undergo right shoulder surgery after the Athletics prospect was diagnosed with an anterior labrum tear, dealing a major blow to one of baseball’s most promising young players.
The 19-year-old switch-hitter has been sidelined since August with right shoulder soreness. He is now facing an expected eight-month recovery after the structural damage was discovered.
A’s Farm first reported the surgery on X, with MLB.com later confirming the severity of De Vries’ injury.
De Vries was initially placed on the seven-day injured list by Double-A Midland on Aug. 18 before being transferred to the 60-day injured list on Sept. 1. He had been shut down from throwing activities as the Athletics evaluated the issue.
The lengthy recovery timeline is particularly frustrating given the season De Vries was putting together. The switch-hitter has batted .290 with a .378 on-base percentage, 13 home runs, 21 doubles, 55 RBIs and 34 stolen bases across 93 games with Midland.
De Vries entered the organization as the centerpiece of the July 2025 trade that sent Mason Miller to the San Diego Padres. His rapid development had put him among the game’s elite prospects and fueled speculation about how quickly he could reach the majors.
Instead, the injury will force De Vries to focus on rehabilitation. An eight-month recovery would likely keep him sidelined through spring training and could push his return to game action into May or later in 2027.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Athletics have little reason to rush their prized prospect. At just 19, De Vries remains a foundational piece of the organization’s long-term plans despite the setback.
The timing also adds to a difficult stretch for the Athletics’ farm system. Top pitching prospect Jamie Arnold was reportedly forced to leave his first Triple-A start after being struck in the face by a 107.5 mph comebacker.
With the major-league club already eliminated from postseason contention, De Vries’ health and development will now become an important storyline heading into the offseason.
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