As the Super Bowl whistle faded, a familiar scent began to waft through the airâfreshly mowed grass, Arizona sunshine, and early spring practice sessions. For the Athletics, this moment wasn’t just about “baseball season.” It was a reminder that the questions that lingered throughout the winter were about to be answered.
Offensively, the Ass had no shortage of reasons to be optimistic. Jacob Wilson proved himself a future shortstop in his first All-Star season. Nick Kurtz carried the expectations of a first baseman who could become a long-term pillar. Surrounding them were Shea Langeliers and Brent Rookerânames enough to form a solid core lineup. If the Ass missed the playoffs, it would be difficult to blame the offense.
The problem lay elsewhere. On the mound.
Jacob Lopez was a pleasant discovery, but he was just one personâand o
ne who had just finished the season with an injury. Luis Severino had moments that inspired belief, but also home games that quickly crumbled. Jeffrey Springs is consistent and reliable, but not the kind of pitcher who can carry the entire rotation. And Luis Morales? He has potential, but demanding a 48-inning MLB pitcher as the solution is too big a gamble.
This is where the 2026 season for the Ass will be decided.
The front office could sign another veteran starter to “get innings,” so they don’t have to hold their breath every five days. But the question is: will that be enough to turn the tide? Or just a patch of tape covering a bigger crack?
The real focus lies with the young pitchers. JT Ginn. Mason Barnett. Gunnar Hoglund. And Luis Medinaâwho was once considered the future before Tommy John stole the whole 2025 season. Of these, if just one truly steps up, the story will be different. But if no one does, all other expectations become fragile.
That instability also spills over into seemingly secondary positions. Third base remains a question mark. Andy Ibåñez brings a âdifferent element,â Darell Hernaiz will step into the World Baseball Classic spotlight, and Max Muncy remains there with a high ceiling. But this is all about optimizationânot survival.
The Aâs survival lies in pitching.
This spring wonât just be about who pitches well, who defends cleanly. Itâs a series of tests to see whoâs durable enough, whoâs sharp enough, and who can shoulder the responsibility when things arenât perfect. Baseball always reveals the truth very earlyâoften in the early innings of April, when the paper plans meet reality.
Football is over. Baseball is back. For the Aâs, this isnât just the start of the seasonâitâs a test of whether the rebuilding phase is ready to move into the next chapter.
And the answer will come much faster than many think.
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