The Athletics will play their home games in Sacramento for the next three seasons until they move to their new home in Las Vegas. Last year, the Athletics improved their win total from 40 to 69 in 2024. They also have some intriguing young players, which will not prevent a last-place finish in the American League West. They have a great closer and signed Luis Severino for this season. Do you think the A’s will improve this season?
Athletics Starting Rotation
The Athletics made a big free agent signing to be the ace of their starting rotation. Luis Severino was great with the New York Yankees and solid with the New York Mets last season. He still throws a 95 MPH fastball. JP Sears, another former New York Yankee, will pitch in the second slot. He has been very good as a mid-rotation starter.
Jeffery Springs is #3 in the rotation. His velocity was down last season after coming back from Tommy John surgery. Â Osvaldo Bido is in the 100th percentile of pitchers in hard hit percentage, meaning he generally allows weak contact. Joey Estes looks to round out the starting rotation. He has solid, if unspectacular, stuff.
Bullpen
At the back of the bullpen is closer Mason Miller. He averaged 101 MPH on his fastball and also has a great slider. Tyler Ferguson is a nice story as the second option in the bullpen. He spent a decade in the minor leagues. Newcomer Jose Leclerc figures to slot into a high-leverage role.
Michael Otanez could wind up pitching some high-leverage innings this season and could become the closer if Miller moves to the starting rotation. T.J. McFarland led the American League with 79 appearances and is a valuable relief piece. Hogan Harris is competing in Spring Training for a role in the bullpen. Others may emerge out there as well.
Catcher
Shea Langeliers will be the primary catcher for the Athletics. He has good power and has hit 51 home runs over the past two years. With the new stadium, he could hit 30 home runs. His success as A defensive catcher is a work in progress and is mixed. The backup is Ex-Marlin Johnny Pareda, who they claimed off waivers last month.
Infield
The first baseman for the Athletics will be Tyler Soderstrom. He may hit 30 home runs. Nick Kurtz is Soderrstrom’s backup. The second baseman is Zack Gelof, who came within three home runs of a 20/20 season. He also led the American League in strikeouts. The shortstop is Jacob Wilson. He is an extreme contact hitter who could, at some point, win an American League batting title. Gio Urshela is slated to start at third base.
Outfield
Lawrence Butler and JJ Bleday will be two of the starting outfielders for the Athletics. Seth Brown probably has the inside track, but Miguel Andujar and Esteury Ruiz will also get some playing time. The speedy Ruiz led the American League in stolen bases with 67 in 2023. Both Brown and Andujar both offer subpar defense but can hit.
Designated Hitter
Rooker will get most of the at-bats here, and the former Minnesota Twin is a budding star. He has 69 home runs for the Athletics and is 30 years old. His batting average is the subject of some discussion. He hit .293 last season but was just a .250 hitter in the minor leagues. His strikeout rate is declining, and he may be a .290 hitter.
Management
The team has more financial constraints than any other team. The manager is former player Mark Kotsay. David Frost has long been part of the Athletics team and is the front-office decision-maker.
Conclusion
The A’s should win more than 69 games this season as they have some good, young players. They must resist the urge to trade those young players and build from within. That is the deal with financially strapped teams.
