Pitchers and Catchers Set to Report: A’s Spring Training Countdown Begins
We’re officially under the one-month mark until the Oakland Athletics start ramping up for the 2026 season. Pitchers and catchers are slated to report to camp by February 11th, kicking off the first official wave of baseball activity in Arizona. It’s the unofficial start of the season - and for the guys behind the plate and on the mound, it’s the most important time to start building chemistry.
Early Arrival, Early Work
There’s a reason pitchers and catchers show up early every spring. For catchers, it’s about getting mentally and physically ready to handle a staff full of arms with different styles, rhythms, and repertoires. And for pitchers, it’s about getting comfortable with the guys receiving their stuff - especially in an organization like Oakland, where roster turnover is part of the DNA.
Fortunately, there’s some continuity here. Starting catcher Shea Langeliers returns as the anchor behind the plate. He’s already built relationships with much of the A’s pitching staff, so for a good portion of this group, it’ll be less about introductions and more about sharpening timing and mechanics.
Veteran Austin Wynns will also be in camp for the first time in green and gold after spending the early part of last season with the Reds. At 35 years old and with seven big league seasons under his belt, Wynns brings a steady presence. While he’s new to the A’s, his experience should ease the transition for both him and the pitching staff.
A New-Look Catching Corps
Beyond Langeliers and Wynns, the catching depth chart has been reshaped. Gone are Jhonny Pereda and Willie MacIver, both of whom saw time with the A’s last season. And Daniel Susac, a former first-round pick who many expected to be part of the long-term catching picture, won’t be in camp either after being claimed and then traded in the Rule 5 Draft.
That opens the door for a few new faces. Bryan Lavastida and Brian Serven are the latest additions, both brought in on minor league deals. Serven, who spent last season in the Tigers’ system, brings major league experience and is known more for his glove than his bat - a valuable trait for spring training when pitchers are looking for consistency and confidence from their backstops.
Lavastida, meanwhile, spent time with the A’s Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas last year. While he didn’t get a call-up, he did work with several pitchers who could be in big league camp this spring - names like Eduarneil Nunez, Blake Beers, Mitch Spence, and Kade Morris. That familiarity could give him a leg up when it comes to working bullpen sessions and live batting practice.
Depth Pieces and Spring Arms
Also expected in camp are Shane McGuire and Nick Schwartz. Neither catcher is likely to break camp with the major league club, but spring training isn’t just about the 26-man roster.
With dozens of pitchers needing reps, it’s all hands on deck behind the plate. These guys may not be household names, but their presence is critical to keeping camp running smoothly.
The Countdown Is On
Position players are set to report by February 16th, just five days before the A’s open their spring slate with a split-squad matchup against the White Sox on February 21st. That gives the full roster a narrow window to gel before the exhibition games begin - a quick turnaround, but one that’s standard in the spring grind.
For the A’s, this camp will be about more than just getting reps. It’s about forming connections, evaluating new talent, and setting the tone for a season that will demand contributions from up and down the roster. With a revamped catching corps and a pitching staff that continues to evolve, these early days in Arizona will matter.
The countdown is on. Baseball is almost back.