The Athletics’ winter break looked… fine. They extended Tyler Soderstrom’s contract with a big deal. They brought in Jeff McNeil to bolster their midfield. They added Mark Leiter Jr. to their bullpen. These moves were neat, logical, and easy to explain. But this very “logic” is sparking a simmering debate: Are the Athletics building for a breakthrough, or just patching things up to survive?
That question becomes clearest when looking at the rotation.
Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs are two usable names. But in an increasingly demanding All-Star league, that’s not enough to create a sense of security. The Athletics need a veteran starter—not necessarily an ace—but someone capable of stabilizing the rhythm, carrying innings, and relieving pressure on the younger players.
According to MLB.com, Mark Feinsand has outlined three options the Athletics are reportedly considering: Jose Quintana, Zack Littell, and Jordan Montgomery. Valdez is absent. No Bassitt. No Gallen. Just “non-elite” choices — and that’s what’s dividing the team’s direction.
Jose Quintana represents the most familiar option. 37 years old, experienced, just had a stable season with the Brewers. ERA below 4.00, carries a reasonable number of appearances, not surprising but rarely fails. In a context where the Ass aren’t ready to push the chip, Quintana is like a strategic one-year contract: earns innings, holds the game, and if needed, becomes a trade-off asset. Safe. Predictable. And therefore… lacking emotion.
Zack Littell tells a different story. Younger, more resilient, and just had a truly remarkable 2025 season. 32 appearances, ERA 3.81, positive WAR. Littell isn’t a pitcher who scares opposing lineups, but he’s good enough to make a rotation look more “serious.” More importantly, Littell could be a long-term option—something A’s rarely commit to during transitional periods. With Littell, the question isn’t “is he usable,” but whether A’s are willing to place long-term faith in him.
Jordan Montgomery, on the other hand, is a gamble. A big gamble, but a cheap one. From the 2023 World Series to a 2024 season ravaged by injuries, then disappearing completely from the mound in 2025. No one knows how much Montgomery has left. But that very uncertainty makes him a suitable choice for a team looking to optimize risk-reward. If successful, it’s a bargain. If unsuccessful, A’s won’t lose much. This way of thinking says a lot about the organization’s current mindset.
And that’s the core of the debate.
No one denies A’s needs more pitching. But this list suggests they’re not looking for a leap forward, but rather a minimum level of stability. For a team undergoing a rejuvenation, that might be wise. For those who believe 2026 should be the year to push forward, it feels like missing the mark.
Perhaps A’s is playing the long game. Perhaps they want to maintain financial flexibility. Or perhaps they’ve accepted that the current rotation is just “enough” while other pieces continue to develop.
Whatever the interpretation, one thing is clear: this list isn’t about big ambitions — it’s about caution. And in MLB, caution is always a double-edged sword.
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