Key Offseason Changes
The Athletics are entering year two of their Sacramento residency at Sutter Health Park, the temporary home they will occupy through 2027 before their planned move to Las Vegas in 2028. The franchise made its most significant commitment to the future on January 30, 2026, signing All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson to a seven-year, $70 million contract extension with a club option for an eighth year. Wilson, who finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2025 behind teammate Nick Kurtz, represents exactly the kind of homegrown talent the A's hope to build around as they transition to their new market.
The roster moves this offseason were modest but telling. The A's non-tendered outfielder JJ Bleday, making him a free agent, while avoiding arbitration with pitchers Luis Medina and Ken Waldichuk on one-year deals. Both pitchers are coming off Tommy John surgery and represent upside gambles rather than rotation certainties. The team also acquired veteran Jeff McNeil from the Mets, adding a batting title winner and experienced bat to a lineup dominated by players with two or fewer years of service time.
The biggest loss came at the trade deadline when the A's dealt closer Mason Miller, leaving a gaping hole at the back of the bullpen. Miller had established himself as one of baseball's elite closers with a 2.49 ERA and 28 saves in 2024, and his absence will force the team to cobble together a committee approach in 2026. Ryan Christenson returns as first base coach and Bobby Crosby takes over at third base for the coaching staff.
Projected Starting Lineup
| Order | Player | Position | Prop Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob Wilson | SS | 7yr/$70M extension, .311 AVG in 2025 |
| 2 | Lawrence Butler | RF | 20-20 season in 2025, speed/power combo |
| 3 | Nick Kurtz | 1B | 2025 AL ROY, 36 HR, 1.002 OPS |
| 4 | Brent Rooker | DH | 89 RBI in 2025, power-first approach |
| 5 | Shea Langeliers | C | 72 RBI in 2025, power-hitting catcher |
| 6 | Jeff McNeil | 2B | Former batting champ, veteran presence |
| 7 | Nick Kurtz | 1B | 2025 AL ROY, elite power bat |
| 8 | Zach Gelof | LF | Utility option, developing power |
| 9 | JJ Bleday | CF | Mix-and-match CF situation |
The top half of this lineup is a genuine strength. Nick Kurtz won the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year unanimously after crushing 36 home runs with a 1.002 OPS, establishing himself as one of the premier young power bats in the American League. Jacob Wilson provides elite contact from the leadoff spot, hitting .311 with just 39 strikeouts in 523 plate appearances. Lawrence Butler achieved a 20-20 season with his blend of power and speed, though his struggles against left-handed pitching remain a concern.
The addition of Jeff McNeil gives the A's a batting title winner and veteran presence in a lineup otherwise dominated by youth. Brent Rooker and Shea Langeliers provide additional thump in the middle of the order. The weakness is depth, particularly in center field where the A's will mix and match throughout the season. For prop bettors, the hitter props strategy guide explains how to approach lineups with clear top-heavy construction like this one.
Projected Starting Rotation
| Slot | Pitcher | Throws | Prop Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP1 | Luis Morales | R | 22-year-old breakout, ace upside |
| SP2 | Luis Severino | R | 3yr/$67M, 6.01 ERA at home in 2025 |
| SP3 | Jeffrey Springs | L | 91 MPH velocity, best suited for #4 role |
| SP4 | Jacob Lopez | R | Second-half emergence in 2025 |
| SP5 | Jack Perkins | R | Young arm, developing command |
The rotation is where the A's face their most significant questions. Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs were signed to anchor the staff, but both posted ERAs that started with a four in 2025. Severino in particular struggled mightily at Sutter Health Park, posting a 6.01 ERA at home compared to an impressive 3.02 ERA on the road. That home/road split is critical for prop bettors to monitor throughout the season.
The brightest spot is 22-year-old Luis Morales, who shined in his first full season and profiles as the frontline arm the A's desperately need. Jacob Lopez emerged in the second half of 2025 and gives the team a useful mid-rotation option. The rotation will struggle to fill innings, with no starter projected for 150 or more innings. The pitcher strikeout props strategy guide explains how to approach rotations with workload concerns like this one.
Bullpen & Closer Situation
Closer: The A's dealt Mason Miller at the trade deadline, leaving no clear closer entering 2026. This is a committee situation where Hogan Harris, Michael Kelly, Justin Sterner, and Elvis Alvarado will all see late-inning opportunities depending on matchups. ZiPS projects this as a below-average bullpen overall, but the top four arms are serviceable. Save props should be avoided until a clear hierarchy emerges.
Setup: Hogan Harris brings high-leverage experience and should see plenty of eighth-inning work. Michael Kelly has the stuff to close but may lack the command consistency for the role. Justin Sterner profiles as a matchup-based weapon rather than a fixed-inning reliever.
Depth: The back of the bullpen features several lottery tickets. Luis Medina and Ken Waldichuk are both returning from Tommy John surgery with uncertain timelines and effectiveness. J.T. Ginn and Henry Baez provide rotation/bullpen flexibility. The A's will likely add relievers before Opening Day to address the depth concerns.