The Oakland A’s aren’t waiting around anymore. After years of rebuilding and reshuffling, they’re officially stepping into the AL West arms race - and the rest of the division, especially the Houston Astros, just got a wake-up call.
The latest move? Oakland landed Jeff McNeil, the former Mets All-Star and career .284 hitter.
He brings a veteran presence and a reliable bat to a young, evolving A’s roster that’s starting to turn heads. With emerging talents like Nick Kurtz, Lawrence Butler, and Jacob Wilson already in the mix, McNeil’s addition signals something bigger: the A’s are done playing catch-up.
They’re ready to compete.
This isn't just about one player. It’s about a shift in mindset.
The A’s are building something with staying power, and McNeil fits that mold - versatile, contact-driven, and experienced in high-leverage situations. He’s the kind of guy who grinds out at-bats and keeps innings alive, a perfect complement to a lineup full of rising stars.
And make no mistake, the timing here matters. The AL West is no longer a one-team show.
The Texas Rangers just hoisted a World Series trophy. The Mariners are built to be a postseason problem for years to come.
And while the Astros are still a force - they always seem to find a way - their grip on the division isn’t what it used to be.
Houston made a move of their own recently, acquiring pitcher Mike Burrows from the Pirates to add depth to their rotation. It’s a solid pickup, but it doesn’t erase the question marks surrounding their future. The core that carried them through years of dominance is aging, and the rest of the division is closing the gap fast.
That’s what makes Oakland’s move so intriguing. It’s not just about 2026 - it’s about sending a message.
The A’s aren’t content to be a rebuilding team anymore. They’re investing in a roster that can hang with the big names in the division, and McNeil is a key piece in that puzzle.
The Astros might still be the standard, but the A’s just made it clear they’re not backing down. The AL West is turning into one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, and Oakland’s making sure they’re part of that conversation.