How The Athletics Are Building A Very Exciting Young Core
The Athletics have been bad for a long time, but seem to be turning a corner with recent moves. Unlike many other small-market teams in the league, they’ve locked up much of their young talent, creating much-needed continuity on their roster.
Yesterday, the Athletics locked up their All-Star shortstop, Jacob Wilson, to a seven-year, $70 million contract extension, and he’s just one of many to sign a long-term extension. The front office has also extended Tyler Soderstrom ($86 million), Lawrence Butler ($65.5 million), and Brent Rooker ($60 million), creating a core sustainable for long-term success.
Athletics Keeping Their Talent
Just a few years ago, the fanbase would do their best not get attached to any of their top talent, knowing they’d be shipped off for prospects who wouldn’t develop into anything. Names like Matt Olson, Sonny Gray, and Sean Murphy were all quickly traded, and the team that made the playoffs last in 2020 was dismantled. It’s been a long and hard process, but the team is finally turning in the right direction.
In the second half, they played great, and their young core will only continue to take steps forward. Wilson was absolutely electric and finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting, showcasing elite-level discipline with a 7.5% strikeout rate that ranked in the 100th percentile. In today’s day and age, when home runs and power are pushed above all, Wilson is a rare type of player.
Tyler Soderstrom, Lawrence Butler, and Brent Rooker will all play a vital role, rounding out a young core. Rooker has been with the Athletics for a while, so it’ll be good to see him still playing a big role in the team’s success despite the trade rumors surrounding him the last two to three seasons.
They Could Take A Huge Step Forward
The Athletics will be one of the most exciting teams to watch this season, and I haven’t even mentioned the guy who single-handedly electrified their entire fanbase last year. That man would be the first baseman, Nick Kurtz. He absolutely crushed the baseball and was the Athletics’ best hitter by far. Not to mention, he had one of the best games in baseball history against the Houston Astros. Kurtz went 6 for 6 with four home runs, six runs, and eight RBIs.
They have him signed for cheap through the 2030 season, so he joins the list of long-term signings. After years as a team with no hope, they enter the 2026 season with playoff aspirations. I’d say they also have a real chance at winning the division against the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros.
What’s Their Biggest Weak Point?
With one of the most electric starting lineups in Baseball, the pitching staff is what will hold them back. Luis Severino is their ace, but after him, the dropoff is severe. Their starting five isn’t good enough to lead them, so the lineup will have to do their thing and absolutely mash. Again, the Athletics championship window is extremely wide open, so they don’t need to add a high-leverage arm right away.
Someone like Chris Bassitt would make a ton of sense. He’s been extremely durable throughout his major league career and was with the Athletics for a long time before getting dealt to the New York Mets in March of 2022. Regardless of whether they make any more moves, the fan base is buying what they’re selling and excited for next season.
