The 2026 season marks a unique chapter for the Athletics franchise as they continue to play in their temporary residence in West Sacramento, CA. The team is focused on developing their young core while bridging the gap toward their eventual permanent relocation to Las Vegas in 2028. The A’s have scheduled a six-game homestand in Las Vegas from June 8-14 (vs. Milwaukee and Chicago Cubs) to provide a “preview” for their future fans.
This offseason the A’s brought in some veterans to provide stability and experience to their infield (Jeff McNeil), along with depth to their starting rotation (Aaron Civale). Expectations for the Athletics should be tempered, as the front office will continue to prioritize player development for their long-term vision for Las Vegas.
Lineup
Though this is a rebuild, the A’s lineup features a pair of sluggers. Nick Kurtz is widely considered one of the team’s most important building blocks after taking home the AL Rookie of the Year Award in 2025; while also earning the Silver Slugger Award at 1B after finishing last season batting .290 with 36 homeruns and 86 RBIs.
Brent Rooker has established himself as one of the premier power hitters in baseball recording 30 or more homeruns in each of the past three seasons (2023-2025). Shea Langeliers is coming off the best season of his four year career after hitting 31 homeruns and driving in 72 RBIs, while serving very well defensively behind the plate for throwing out opposing base stealers. Lawrence Butler returns after a challenging 2025 season, but he still hit 21 homeruns and stole 22 bases across 152 games.
Rotation:
The starting rotation is the Athletics’ biggest question mark coming into the season. This staff is made up largely of veterans looking for fresh starts and internal options trying to prove they belong at the Major League level. Luis Severino is considered the anchor of the staff and provide essential experience in what the A’s hope will be a consistent presence every fifth day. Jeffrey Springs’ success often hinges on his ability to utilize his excellent changeup effectively against left-handed and right-handed hitters. Civale brings with him an ability stabilize the middle of the rotation with command of his pitching arsenal making him a critical component of this group. Jacob Lopez and J.T. Ginn are considered high-upside arms who the Athletics hope they can develop.
Bullpen
The Athletics enter the season with the philosophy of a “closer-by-committee” approach after they traded away Mason Miller last season. While the committee is the strategy, Hogan Harris could emerge as the potential long-term solution after he led the team in saves during the second half of 2025. Veteran newcomers Mark Leiter Jr. and Scott Barlow are considered marquee signing for the A’s as they both bring significant experience and are expected to be the primary bridge options. Tyler Ferguson has proven to be an elite contact manager as he ranks in the 89th percentile for exit velocity allowed last season.
Projected Lineup
- Lawrence Butler – RF
- Shea Langeliers – C
- Nick Kurtz – 1B
- Brent Rooker – DH
- Tyler Soderstrom – LF
- Jacob Wilson – SS
- Jeff McNeil – 2B
- Max Muncy – 3B
- Denzel Clarke – CF
Projected Rotation:
- Luis Severino
- Jeffrey Springs
- Aaron Civale
- Jacob Lopez
- T. Ginn
Projected Bullpen
Hogan Harris – Closer
Mark Leiter Jr. – Setup
Scott Barlow
Tyler Ferguson
Justin Sterner
Michael Kelly
Manager: Mark Kotsay (5th season)
Projection: 74-88 (4th in the AL West)
Written By: Brian Finnigan
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