The 2026 MLB Draft is roughly two months away, and the A's will be picking eighth overall. In the first round of the past three drafts, the A's have selected 2025 All-Star starting shortstop Jacob Wilson, 2025 AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz, and lefty Jamie Arnold, who has drawn comparisons to Chris Sale. Not a bad track record in recently years for the A's front office.

Earlier this week, MLB draft analyst Jim Callis released his first mock draft of the year. He had the A's selecting Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick, who was praised for his stout defense behind the plate.

This wouldn't be the first time the A's drafted a catcher in the first round.…