A New Era for the Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are embarking on a transitional journey that will see them move approximately an hour east to the Sacramento area, where they will play their home games at a minor league ballpark for the next three seasons. This relocation is part of the team’s broader plan to secure a more permanent home in Las Vegas by 2028. While the move might not sound ideal for a Major League Baseball franchise, the A’s are surprisingly entering this new chapter with playoff aspirations. "It’s different," slugger Brent Rooker noted, "but the emphasis is always on winning, and that’s our main goal. When you’re playing at this level against this kind of competition, you need to have good players who have had success and confidence. Now we’ve reached that point."
A Shift in Ownership Strategy
During the offseason, owner John Fisher made some significant moves that have shifted the team’s strategy from cost-cutting to investing in talent. Fisher’s willingness to spend has been a refreshing change for the franchise, especially after a period of financial restraint. One of the most significant signings was Rooker, who agreed to a five-year, $60 million deal to stay with the team. This contract not only rewards Rooker for his impressive performance but also signals the A’s commitment to building a competitive roster. Additionally, the team brought in right-hander Luis Severino, a quality starting pitcher, with a three-year, $67 million contract. These moves, coupled with the extension of manager Mark Kotsay through 2029, demonstrate a clear intention to stabilize and fortify the team for the future.
A Competent Core of Players
The Athletics boast a core of position players who are ready to step up and lead the team. Brent Rooker, who had a breakthrough season with a .293 batting average, 39 homers, and 112 RBIs, is now positioned to take on a leadership role in the clubhouse. Outfielder JJ Bleday, who enjoys knowing his spot in the lineup, added, "There’s a sense of comfort for a lot of guys — we know who we are. It’s good to come into spring training and know it’s yours to lose." Lawrence Butler and Shea Langeliers, the young and promising outfielder and catcher respectively, round out a nucleus of talent that is eager to prove its worth. The team’s renewed focus on winning is evident in the confidence and determination of these key players.
A Promising Pitching Rotation
Luis Severino’s arrival has energized the Athletics’ pitching rotation, which already includes some solid young talent. Severino’s proven track record and recent contract will likely boost the morale of the pitching staff and provide a strong anchor for the team. Closer Mason Miller, with his exceptional arm—the highest percentage of pitches thrown at 100 mph or more in the major leagues last year at 49.8%—is another standout player who adds a layer of reliability to the bullpen. The combination of these experienced and talented pitchers, along with the rest of the rotation, sets the stage for a competitive season.
Building Momentum
The A’s were 69-93 last season and haven’t made the playoffs since 2020. However, they showed improvement after the All-Star break, finishing with a 32-32 record. This uptick in performance, combined with the new signings and extensions, has created a positive outlook for the upcoming season. Langeliers emphasized the team’s potential, stating, "We’re very capable of taking another step forward. If we win 19 more games this year, we’re competing for a wild-card spot. Realistically, the goal is to compete in our division and see where we stand in August and September." The players are optimistic and determined to build on the momentum from last year’s second-half performance.
Embracing a Smaller Venue
While the departure from the Oakland Coliseum, a giant stadium that often felt empty, may have been bittersweet, the move to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento offers a different kind of energy. This minor league ballpark, which seats about 14,000, is expected to see more sellouts and create an intimate and passionate atmosphere. Bleday expressed his enthusiasm for the new venue, saying, "I think it’s going to be intimate in a good way. We’re all for having games sold out. The energy is going to be great and it’s going to bounce back to us, making us want to play better." The change in environment could be just what the team needs to connect with fans and enhance their overall performance.
