The A’s have 15 games left, and the picture is pretty clear at this point: finish the season without reaching 100 losses, keep evaluating the roster, and see who can help when a more competitive 2027 arrives.
That task got a little more interesting with last night’s 4-2 Blue Jays win, which evened the three-game series and pushed the teams into this afternoon’s rubber match. The A’s have spent stretches lately doing exactly what a rebuilding club should do - making life uncomfortable for opponents - and they’ll have more chances to keep playing spoiler against the Guardians, Rays and Astros.
One of the biggest boosts down the stretch is on the way. Shea Langeliers is set to begin a rehab assignment tomorrow with Triple-A Las Vegas, putting him on track to return sometime during next week’s road trip. The A’s are being careful with him, too: he’ll work only as the designated hitter, with the club trying to avoid another defensive injury for its star catcher.
There’s also a much bigger offseason picture forming behind all of this. The owner-imposed lockout could leave the free-agent and trade markets in a strange spot, especially with MLB’s CBA agreement expiring on December 1. That leaves roughly a month for deals to get done before the league shuts down for an uncertain stretch.
That kind of timing makes the front office situation even more important. The A’s would be wise to hire a new general manager sooner rather than later, giving that person a head start on building a roster that can push the franchise back toward the postseason.
For now, though, the focus remains on these final games, Langeliers’ return, and the players still auditioning for a bigger role.
In Other News...
A's Let A Winnable Game Slip As Kotsay Debate Grows
A game that looked there for the taking slipped away, and with it came a fresh round of attention on the Athletics dugout choices. The bullpen, which has been one of the steadier parts of the club lately, again did its job in support, with Chris Roycroft and Geoff Hartlieb covering important multi-inning stretches while the As tried to keep the contest within reach.
Donovan Walton still gave Oakland something to build on with a useful offensive night, a reminder of why his versatility matters on a roster that can use help in a lot of places. But when a winnable series game turns on the late innings and the managers decisions become part of the postgame discussion, it adds another layer to a team already sorting out how to make the most of its pitching mix and bench pieces. [Read more 🡒]
As Deliver One Of Their Best Pitching Wins At Perfect Time
A day after leaning on their arms, the Athletics got exactly the kind of clean, confidence-building win they can use in a tight stretch of the schedule. Brady Basso helped set the tone in a 2-0 victory over the Blue Jays in the final game of the series, and the bullpen carried it from there, combining to shut out Toronto while Henry Bolte provided the only offense.
For a club trying to stack meaningful wins, the timing mattered almost as much as the result. Elvis Alvarado handled the late inning to close it out, and now the As get a day off before opening a series against the Mariners, with a recent pitching performance like this offering a useful marker for what they can be when the game stays in front of them. [Read more 🡒]
Athletics Finale Puts Three Players Under Pressure For 2027
With the 2026 season winding down, the Athletics enter their series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays still sorting out a few late-September questions of their own. Jonah Heim, Matt Butler and Tommy White have all hit a rough patch at different points, and the front office has reason to pay attention as the club evaluates who can carry momentum into next year.
Heims bat has gone quiet over the past week, Butlers surge has cooled after a strong stretch, and White is back in the mix after returning from injury. For White in particular, the finale offers a chance to make one more impression before roster conversations turn to 2027, while Heim and Butler are trying to steady themselves before the season closes on a frustrating note. [Read more 🡒]