Over the past few seasons, there has been little hype surrounding the Athletics. They had parted ways with any player that could bring them value, building their foundation, and some of that was seen this past season.
While they missed the postseason, they finished the regular season with the best record they had sustained since the 2021 season. There are now things to be excited about, and the A's could come out and build upon their 2025 season.
However, to do so, the club will have to make some tough decisions this offseason. They have already made one of these tough decisions, designating for assignment a player who was selected in the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft, JJ Bleday, via MLB Trade Rumors.
Athletics designate former first-round draft pick for assignment
JJ Bleday was considered one of the top prospects in the 2019 draft. He was selected as the No. 4 pick, going to the Miami Marlins.
Bleday would stay with the club for a few years, but was traded to the Athletics in exchange for A.J. Puk. He spent a few months in Triple-A before he made his debut with the A's in May of 2023, but he would go down with an ACL sprain in August.
The following year, Bleday saw an uptick in his usage. He was promoted to the club's everyday center fielder, but it was a tough position to handle. Bleday was brought up as a corner outfielder, and he never found his footing in center.
The A's now have a few days to see if they can drum up any interest in a trade. If not, Bleday will become a free agent, adding to a small list of outfielders on the open market this winter.
Denzel Clarke was the one to take over center field for the club late into the season, with Bleday struggling. We can assume he will be the team's everyday starting center fielder next season, unless the A's surprise everyone.
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