A’s Offseason Outlook: Youth, Power Bats, and a Big Need on the Mound
The Winter Meetings are here, and for the Oakland Athletics, this week in Orlando could set the tone for one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory.
While the A’s didn’t punch a ticket to the postseason in 2025, they showed signs of a team on the rise. A seven-win jump from the year before, finishing 76-86, doesn’t scream contender-but dig a little deeper and the picture gets a lot more interesting. They closed the season on a 34-24 run, fueled by the breakout of two rookies who didn’t just meet expectations-they blew right past them.
Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson: The Cornerstones Are Here
Let’s start with the obvious: Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson didn’t just arrive-they arrived ready. Kurtz took home American League Rookie of the Year honors, while Wilson wasn’t far behind, finishing second.
That’s the kind of one-two punch that can anchor a franchise for years. They’re not just part of the future-they are the future, and they’re already producing.
Now the question becomes: how do the A’s build around them?
Winter Meetings: Key Dates to Watch
- Sunday, Dec. 7: Hall of Fame Classic Era Committee results
- Tuesday, Dec. 9: MLB Draft Lottery
- Wednesday, Dec. 10: Rule 5 Draft
These events are always part of the Winter Meetings buzz, but for the A’s, the real focus is on reshaping the roster-especially on the mound.
Pitching, Pitching, Pitching
If there’s one area that demands attention, it’s the pitching staff. Right now, only two starters-Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs-bring proven big-league experience.
Beyond that, it’s a group of talented but untested arms like Luis Morales, Jacob Lopez, and Jack Perkins. There’s upside, no doubt, but also plenty of unknowns.
Top prospects Gage Jump (No. 60 overall) and Jamie Arnold (No. 38) are knocking on the door, and they could factor into the rotation sooner rather than later. But banking on youth alone is risky, especially when the team is trying to take the next leap into playoff contention.
Then there’s the bullpen. After moving Mason Miller to the Padres at the deadline in exchange for a high-upside return led by shortstop Leo De Vries, the A’s are left without a set closer. Expect them to be in the market for a reliever with some ninth-inning experience-someone who can stabilize the back end and help shorten games for a still-developing rotation.
Trade Chips: Outfield Depth Could Spark a Deal
Oakland’s outfield pipeline is stacked, and that surplus could become a valuable trade asset. Colby Thomas showed flashes of legit power during his time in the Majors, and prospects Henry Bolte (No. 5 in the system) and Ryan Lasko (No. 17) both made it to Triple-A in 2025. They’re close to being ready, and that makes them intriguing pieces for teams looking to add near-MLB talent.
Tyler Soderstrom is another name that’s been floated in trade talks, though it would take a significant return to pry him loose. He’s coming off a career-best season and remains a key part of the A’s offensive core.
Leo De Vries: The Next Star in Line?
The centerpiece of the Mason Miller deal, De Vries wasted no time making an impression. After just 15 games in High-A, he got the bump to Double-A Midland, where he hit .281 with a .910 OPS over 21 games and helped power the RockHounds to the Texas League Championship Series.
He turned 19 in October, and while it might seem aggressive to project a teenager with limited Double-A experience into the 2026 MLB mix, De Vries isn’t your average prospect. He’s the A’s No. 1 prospect and ranks No. 3 overall in all of baseball. If he keeps progressing the way Kurtz and Wilson did, don’t be shocked if he’s in Oakland sooner than later.
Rule 5 Draft: Roster Crunch Time
The A’s have a history of being active in the Rule 5 Draft, and they hold the eighth pick this year. But here’s the catch-their 40-man roster is currently full. That means they’ll need to clear a spot before Dec. 10 if they want to make a selection.
Among the notable names left unprotected are catcher Daniel Susac (No. 11 in the system), right-hander Kenya Huggins (No. 23), and first baseman Brennan Milone (No. 26). All three could draw interest from other clubs looking to unearth talent.
Last year, Oakland grabbed Noah Murdock in the Rule 5, and he even made the Opening Day roster before being returned to the Royals. Don’t be surprised if they try to strike again-if they can find room.
The Big Question: Will They Add a Proven Starter?
Let’s be clear-this offense is ready to roll. The A’s finished as one of the top-10 offensive teams in most major categories, powered by Kurtz, Wilson, Shea Langeliers, Brent Rooker, Soderstrom, and Lawrence Butler. That core is under team control for the foreseeable future, and with De Vries potentially joining the mix, scoring runs shouldn’t be the issue.
But if Oakland wants to turn that 76-win season into something more meaningful, they’ll need to lower that 4.85 team ERA from 2025-a number that ranked among the bottom four in the league.
Last offseason, the A’s wasted no time, signing Severino early and trading for Springs shortly after. That kind of aggressiveness could pay off again.
General manager David Forst has hinted that payroll will go up, which opens the door for a free-agent signing. But given the challenges of pitching in hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park, a trade might be the more realistic route.
Bottom Line: The A’s are in an intriguing spot. The young core is already making noise, and the farm system continues to churn out high-end talent.
Now it’s about filling in the gaps-especially on the mound. If Oakland can land a reliable starter and shore up the bullpen, they’ve got a real shot to make 2026 the year they break through.
