The 2025 season for the Athletics culminated in their elimination on September 17. With the conclusion of their postseason run, it’s pertinent to retrospect the highs and lows of the A’s season, issues they must tackle during the winter break, and predict the possibilities ahead in 2026.
One of the key achievements for the Athletics in 2025, despite factors like their move to a more hitter-friendly park, was their success in laying the foundation of a robust offensive lineup. This potentially powerful offense dominated the top 10 spots in home runs and maintained a respectable middle-tier position in runs scored by September 18.
Nick Kurtz, launched into the season as the premier prospect of the organization, showcased promising potential and is a frontrunner for the AL Rookie of the Year. He is the mainstay of the Athletics’ lineup. Shea Langeliers, despite an oblique injury causing him to miss most of June, created an impressive case for being one of the most influential catchers in the American League, particularly after his unforgettable performance on August 5.
On the flip side, the A’s encountered significant difficulties with their pitching staff, holding a position at the lower end of the major leagues in terms of ERA throughout the season. The challenges faced were advisedly distributed between both the rotation and bullpen. It would be a misleading analysis to point fingers solely at Sutter Health Park’s hitter-friendly nature, given the staff’s struggles were not confined to home games but extended to road fixtures as well.
The team’s bullpen unfortunately matched the performance of their rotation, offering little respite or support. The defensive finesse of the Athletics also left much to be desired, ranking among the most ineffective in baseball. The inadequacies were highlighted by the peristent heat on the fielders due to the pitching staff’s struggles in dismissing opposing players.
As the team pivots towards planning for the future, the A’s bring to the table valuable assets but also some conspicuous gaps, particularly within the infield. A positive highlight is that two seats of the outfield are well-assured, featuring the talents of Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler. The third may be occupied by Denzel Clarke, who, despite his underwhelming performance with the bat in his debut season, demonstrated exceptional expertise in center-field defense.
Plenty of choices could be made in deciding the rotation positions, though they might not spark the same degree of excitement as those in the lineup. Springs and Lopez, however, are certainly expected to fulfill starting roles. As for the makeup of the bullpen in 2026, it remains an area of uncertainty.
Looking to the prospects pool, a major boost came with the addition of Leodalis De Vries from the Padres during the trade deadline. The 18-year-old shortstop may not make his debut in the 2026 season, but he certainly promises to shine brightly in the future with potential star status.
As for the target of the Athletics for 2026, their performance in 2025 can be perceived as a period of relative stability. Despite sliding one position from fourth to fifth in the AL West, their win ratio closely mirrored the previous year. This is worth appreciating, considering the upheaval experienced by the team due its relocation from Oakland and playing in a minor-league park.
Retaining stability while simultaneously identifying several long-term linchpins for the lineup is a commendable accomplishment for the Athletics. To improve their standing in the upcoming season, addressing pitching problems will be a central focus.
Making strides in their pitching performance could pave the way for the Athletics to revisit the 75-win mark, a feat not achieved since 2021. This, indeed, seems to be a realistic milestone for the team in 2026, if progress continues to be made.
The post Athletics’ 2025 Season: A Look Back at the Ups and Downs appeared first on Real News Now.
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