The Athletics are building their team in a way that’s taking the rest of MLB by storm — not with blockbuster signings, but by placing early faith in youth. Tyler Soderstrom is locked in. Jacob Wilson just signed a seven-year, $70 million contract. And if Nick Kurtz is next, the Athletics are almost complete with the framework for a new era.
But the story doesn’t end there.
According to the bold prediction of Alden Gonzalez (ESPN), the Athletics could see Leo De Vries make his MLB debut at just 19 years old in the 2026 season. On the surface, this sounds like a risky leap. But a closer look reveals a much more calculated move than many realize.
De Vries isn’t just an overhyped prospect. He’s a central piece in the Mason Miller trade — a decision that was controversial at first, but increasingly demonstrates the Athletics’ long-term logic. In last season’s Double-A, De Vries shot .281 with an OPS of .910, demonstrating a maturity rarely seen in a teenager. After joining his new organization, he quickly proved that Padres hadn’t sold him cheaply — and A’s hadn’t made a wrong purchase.
Gondon’s prediction didn’t suggest De Vries would secure a spot from the start of the season. Instead, the more logical scenario is that he’ll remain in the minor leagues for much of 2026, continuing to hone his skills, before being called up in September. That’s not about forcing him to mature prematurely. It’s about letting the future taste the present.
A’s roster context makes this even more plausible. Jacob Wilson has been identified as a long-term shortstop. That opens the door for De Vries to move to third base — a position requiring quick reflexes, good arm strength, and intelligent defensive thinking. If Athletics wants to see where De Vries fits into the big picture, there’s no better test than a few weeks of MLB where the pressure is real and the pace is real.
More importantly, Athletics doesn’t need De Vries to save the season. This isn’t a team that puts a burden on a teenager. This is a team that’s taking shape, where De Vries just needs to prove he belongs—not dominate.
And that’s why it’s not a reckless gamble.
If De Vries is called up and plays for a few weeks, Athletics will gain invaluable information: his adaptability, his mentality, his speed of reaction. If he struggles? No problem. The clock hasn’t started yet. If he plays well? Athletics can enter 2027 with a clearer picture than ever before.
While many teams are risk-averse, Athletics is choosing to move fast but not hastily. They’ve shown a willingness to place faith early — but only when the data, development progress, and roster structure allow.
A 19-year-old debuting in MLB is always a shocking headline. But with Leo De Vries and A’s, that shock might not be the decision… but the result.
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