Things are starting to change for the Athletics. They are coming off their best record since the 2021 season, and they are starting to lay their foundation.
They got huge help from their rookies this season. Brent Rooker, Jacob Wilson, and Nick Kurtz are all coming off rather impressive years, but it was Kurtz who stole the show.
Across 117 games, the slugger hit.290/.383/.619 with 36 home runs and 86 runs batted in. He was recently named AL's Rookie of the Year while Atlanta Braves slugger Drake Baldwin won it on the NL side.
Athletics could shock everyone by signing this top arm over the winter, per ESPN insider
Going into the offseason, the A's could use a couple more pieces to get over the hump. One area they need to focus on is signing a starting pitcher.
There are plenty of intriguing names here that are looking for a new home for the 2026 season and beyond. However, ESPN's Jeff Passan points to this star as the best option for them if they are willing to spend some money.
"While it's not in owner John Fisher's nature to spend on players, bringing in a high-groundball, low-homer southpaw whose stuff would play even in the nightmare pitchers' environment in Sacramento would be the sort of move that could push the A's that much closer to their first playoff spot since 2020. Sign free agent left-hander Ranger Suarez."
Ranger Suarez is considered one of the top arms on the open market. It would sure be a surprise to anyone if the A's managed to pull this off, but with the performance of their rookies, maybe it is time for this team to spend, acquire game-changing players, and try to make the postseason for the first time in five years.
More A's news:
- A pair of Athletics youngsters rank among MLB's top five for long-term value
- Athletics' Nick Kurtz takes home Silver Slugger Award after impressive rookie season
- MLB insider pinpoints what the Athletics need to focus on this offseason
- A’s rookie breakthrough puts the rebuild on the clock
- Athletics urged to retain their late-inning southpaw weapon during the offseason