As the 2025 offseason approaches, the Oakland Athletics face several roster decisions, including the future of outfielder JJ Bleday. Once considered part of the club’s young core, Bleday’s standing with the organization has become increasingly uncertain after an inconsistent 2025 campaign.
Bleday was one of Oakland’s bright spots in 2024, producing a 2.1 WAR season while hitting 20 home runs and driving in 60 runs. This year, however, he struggled to replicate that progress. Bleday was designated for assignment multiple times and finished the 2025 season with a.212 batting average and a -0.3 WAR, despite hitting 14 home runs in 98 games.
Complicating matters for Bleday is the significant emergence of Oakland’s young outfield talent. Tyler Soderstrom, Lawrence Butler and Denzel Clarke all made substantial strides in 2025, giving the front office renewed confidence in the organization’s long-term depth. As a result, Bleday increasingly appeared to be on the outside looking in. MLB insider Steve Adams recently listed Bleday among the top 40 offseason trade candidates, naming him alongside right-hander Luis Severino as players Oakland could consider moving.
Despite his uneven 2025 season, Bleday still offers upside. The 2019 No. 4 overall pick out of Vanderbilt once projected as one of the purest hitters in his draft class, and his 2024 production showed he can be a valuable contributor when locked in. Teams seeking a low-cost outfield bat with power potential may take interest as he goes through the waiver and trade process.
Bleday began his MLB career with the Miami Marlins, spending just one season there before being traded to Oakland for reliever A.J. Puk. Now, he awaits clarity on the next chapter of his career.
As for the Athletics, they appear committed to giving their younger outfielders extended playing time heading into 2026 — a strategy that helped fuel surprising progress during the 2025 season.
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