The A’s rotation picture is starting to come into focus, and with Aaron Civale now in the mix, the top of the staff looks just about locked in. Manager Mark Kotsay made it clear: when Opening Day rolls around, it’ll be Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, and Civale taking the ball in the first three games. That trio gives Oakland a blend of experience, upside, and stability-something this team hasn’t exactly been known for in recent years.
But with the front end set, the real intrigue lies in how the final two rotation spots shake out. And while, on paper, it looks like an open competition, the situation is a little more layered than that.
Let’s start with Jacob Lopez. The left-hander was one of the A’s most effective arms last season before a forearm issue cut his rookie campaign short.
He’s still working his way back, and it’s unclear if he’ll be fully ramped up by the time the season starts. If he is, it’s hard to imagine he won’t be in the mix-his performance last year earned him that.
But the A’s could opt for caution, especially with a young pitcher coming off an arm injury. That’s a tough needle to thread: balancing long-term health with short-term need.
Then there’s Luis Morales, one of the more exciting arms in the organization. The righty flashed the talent that made him a top prospect in his debut season, and there’s a lot to like about his poise and pitch mix.
But here’s the catch-he only threw 89 innings last year. That’s a career high for him, and if the A’s do slot him into the rotation from Day 1, they’ll need to be strategic about how they manage his workload.
Think skipped starts, early hooks, maybe even a midseason breather. It’s a delicate dance, especially if you’re counting on him to be a contributor all year.
If Oakland decides to lean more on durability and less on upside, Mason Barnett could be an option. He’s not as flashy as Morales, but he’s built more like a traditional innings-eater.
Jack Perkins and JT Ginn are also in the conversation-both guys have swingman profiles but could be stretched out if needed. That kind of versatility might be valuable if the A’s want to keep their young arms fresh over a long season.
And if you’re looking for pure upside, Gunnar Hoglund is a name to watch. He’s still working his way back to full form after Tommy John surgery, but the pedigree is there. He’s the kind of arm who could raise the ceiling of the rotation-if not right away, then at some point during the season.
Lastly, there’s Luis Medina. The right-hander is out of options, which makes him a bit of a wild card.
The A’s can’t stash him in the minors without exposing him to waivers, so if he doesn’t make the rotation, he’ll likely have to carve out a role in the bullpen. That roster crunch could give him a leg up, even if he’s not the most consistent option.
So while the back end of the rotation is technically “up for grabs,” the reality is more nuanced. Health, innings limits, and roster flexibility are all going to play a role in how things shake out.
One thing’s for sure: the A’s have options. Now it’s just a matter of how bold they want to be with them.