The Athletics’ 2027 lineup picture is starting to come into focus, and the biggest change is simple: getting healthy. After spending the final month of the 2026 season rolling out a near-identical lineup every day, the A’s did it without several of their key bats. If that group comes back the way the club hopes, the shape of the offense changes fast.
Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson, Tyler Soderstrom, and a fully healthy Shea Langeliers are all expected to be back in the mix. Langeliers, who returned late in 2026, was limited to DH duty at the end of the year. Getting him back behind the plate could open the door for Jonah Heim to return as the backup catcher.
The infield, though, is where things could get crowded in a hurry. Jeff McNeil was one of the team’s best bats after the break, but he carries a $15.75 million club option.
Even if the A’s pass on that, bringing him back would go a long way toward filling the second-base spot. If not, Donovan Walton, Alika Williams, and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer are also in the picture.
First base and shortstop look spoken for. Kurtz and Wilson have those jobs locked down, with both already viewed as part of the franchise’s future.
Zack Gelof also seems set at third base after handling the position well while teammates were sidelined. He missed time with minor injuries of his own, but his bat held up, and his athleticism translated at third.
That leaves some tough roster decisions. Tommy White could be pushed out by the return of all that young talent, and White, Alika Williams, and even Max Muncy could become trade pieces if the A’s want to chase pitching this offseason. Another possibility is starting some of them in Triple-A.
In the outfield, the alignment looks cleaner. Henry Bolte’s breakout rookie year should put him in center field.
Tyler Soderstrom is expected back in left field if he’s fully healthy, and his bat belongs in the middle of the order. He was also a Gold Glove finalist last season.
Lawrence Butler appears locked into right field after a strong second half, and he’s already secured long-term. That leaves one bench spot and a decision between Carlos Cortes and Denzel Clarke, unless one of them is moved. Cortes got off to a hot start in 2026 before cooling off badly, while Clarke’s defense is elite but his bat has been a concern.
Here’s how the lineup could look if everything breaks the A’s way heading into 2027:
- Henry Bolte, CF
- Nick Kurtz, 1B
- Shea Langeliers, C
- Tyler Soderstrom, LF
- Brent Rooker, DH
- Jacob Wilson, SS
- Jeff McNeil, 2B**
- Zack Gelof, 3B
- Lawrence Butler, RF
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