The Oakland Athletics are stepping into this offseason with something they haven’t had much of in recent years: momentum. After putting together one of their more promising campaigns in recent memory, there's a sense that this rebuild might finally be finding its footing. The foundation is starting to take shape, and while there’s still work to be done, the A’s aren’t standing still.
One of the early moves helping set the tone? The acquisition of Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets.
It’s not the kind of blockbuster that dominates headlines, but it’s the sort of savvy, under-the-radar addition that can pay real dividends. McNeil brings a blend of versatility, consistency, and veteran presence that this young A’s roster sorely needs.
He can play multiple positions, grind out at-bats, and lead by example - all things that matter for a team trying to establish a new identity.
That said, the job’s not done. The A’s still have some key holes to patch up, and none looms larger than the need for another frontline starter.
Luis Severino did what he could to anchor the rotation, but he can’t carry the load alone. If Oakland wants to take the next step - from competitive to contending - adding another high-caliber arm is a must.
Enter Zach Eflin.
The veteran right-hander is coming off a tough year that ended prematurely due to back surgery, but there’s reason to believe he’s poised for a bounce-back. From 2023 to 2024, Eflin made 59 starts and posted a 3.4 rWAR - a sign of just how effective he can be when healthy. That’s the version of Eflin the A’s would be betting on, and it’s a gamble that could pay off.
He’s not just a fit because of need - he’s a fit because of the timing. The A’s are in a spot where they can afford to take a calculated risk on a pitcher looking to reestablish himself.
Eflin, meanwhile, is looking for a place to prove he’s still got frontline stuff. It’s a potential match that checks a lot of boxes.
Of course, Oakland won’t be the only team in the mix. The San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres are also reportedly interested, and both clubs could offer Eflin a different kind of opportunity. But for the A’s, this is the kind of move that could accelerate their upward trajectory - a chance to add a proven starter without breaking the bank or blocking young arms down the line.
The offseason is far from over, and the A’s still have plenty of decisions ahead. But with McNeil in the fold and a potential Eflin pursuit on the table, Oakland is showing signs of a front office ready to build on last season’s progress. For a franchise that’s been stuck in neutral for too long, that’s a welcome change.