Athletics still have some work to do if they want to get their offseason grade up

Jared Bloom

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Athletics still have some work to do if they want to get their offseason grade up image

Despite missing the postseason once again, there was something different about this Athletics team. They were a fun group to watch, especially between guys like Tyler Soderstrom, Brent Rooker, Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson. 

After the season, there were talks that the front office would look to lock up some of its younger players, and it did just that.

The A's came to an agreement with Soderstrom on an eight-year, $86 million extension. That has not been the only move the club has made this offseason. They also signed Mark Leiter Jr. On a one-year deal and made a trade with the New York Mets to acquire Jeff McNeil. 

MORE: Athletics fans should be excited about this Nick Kurtz prediction

Athletics still have some work to do if they want to get their offseason grade up 

The A's have not been as busy as other teams this offseason, but that should come as no surprise. This club has never been too aggressive during the winter months, given its payroll. 

With the moves the club has made so far, CBS Sports' Dayn Perry and Mike Axisa gave the A's a "C+" grade at this point during the offseason. 

"The No. 1 priority this offseason had to be improving the pitching staff, both the rotation and bullpen, and so far all the A's have done on that front is sign reliever Mark Leiter Jr. To a low-cost one-year contract. This team is two or three more good arms away from making noise in the wild-card race. They should be a little more aggressive."

Perry and Axisa are critical of the club's little movement on the pitching front. That is an area of need for the team as they step into the 2026 season.

They need to bring in a few more established arms if they want to be a team with postseason aspirations.

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