Could a Veteran Presence Be the Missing Piece for the Young A’s?
The Oakland A’s are heading into 2026 with one of the youngest rosters in baseball-eleventh youngest in the majors, to be exact, with an average age of just 26.5. Their 40-man roster ranges from 22 to 35 years old, and the most senior player currently is reliever Michael Kelly at 33. At the other end of the spectrum, they’ve got two 22-year-olds in the mix: Henry Baez, a promising arm who’s yet to debut, and Luis Morales, who got his first taste of big-league action last season and is fighting for a spot in the starting rotation.
So, with all that youth, it’s fair to ask-would it make sense for the A’s to bring in a seasoned veteran? Someone who’s been through the grind, knows how to navigate a long season, and can bring leadership to a clubhouse full of rising talent?
There are still a handful of big-name veterans out there, all over the age of 38, who’ve made it clear they’re not ready to hang it up just yet. And while they might not be everyday contributors anymore, their experience-and in some cases, still-solid production-could be a valuable asset for a young team trying to find its identity. Let’s take a look at some of the notable names still looking for a home.
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B - Age 38
Goldschmidt might not be the MVP-caliber force he once was, but he's not far removed from anchoring the Cardinals' lineup.
If the A’s were to bring him in, it would likely be in a backup role behind reigning Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz. But having a veteran like Goldschmidt in the clubhouse-someone who’s been through playoff runs and carried the weight of a franchise-could be invaluable for a young core learning how to win.
Chris Martin, RP - Age 40
Martin quietly had a strong season out of the bullpen for the Rangers, posting a 2.98 ERA over 49 appearances. For a team like Oakland that’s still piecing together its bullpen identity, adding a steady, proven arm like Martin could help stabilize the late innings and serve as a mentor to younger relievers.
Andrew McCutchen, DH - Age 39
McCutchen has made it known he’d like to finish his career in Pittsburgh, but nothing’s set in stone.
He still brings a professional approach at the plate and a respected voice in the locker room. Even in a limited role as a DH or pinch hitter, he could help set the tone for a young lineup still learning how to grind through a season.
Tommy Pham, OF - Age 38
Don’t let the age fool you-Pham still plays like a guy with something to prove.
He’s probably best suited as a right-handed platoon bat or bench option at this point, but his fire and intensity could inject some edge into a young A’s roster. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t coast, and that mentality can be contagious.
David Robertson, RP - Age 41
Robertson has been a postseason staple throughout his career, and even at 41, he played a meaningful role in the Phillies’ bullpen during their playoff run. He’s the kind of veteran who knows how to handle high-leverage situations and could be a calming presence for a bullpen that’s likely to see its share of growing pains.
Carlos Santana, 1B - Age 40
Santana bounced between the Guardians and Cubs last season, hitting 11 home runs and even swiping seven bags.
His batting average dipped to .219, but he still brings switch-hitting power and a solid glove at first. He’s a professional hitter who knows how to work a count and could be a valuable bench bat or platoon option.
Max Scherzer, SP - Age 41
If this were midseason last year, bringing up Scherzer’s name might’ve drawn some laughs.
But then came the postseason, and once again, he showed why he’s one of the fiercest competitors of his generation. He’s not the workhorse he once was, but if healthy, he could offer short-burst impact-think veteran innings, clubhouse leadership, and a tone-setting presence every fifth day.
Justin Turner, 1B/DH - Age 41
Turner had a down year with the Cubs, but his reputation as a clubhouse leader remains intact.
He’s the type of guy who sets the standard for professionalism and preparation. Even if his production has slipped, his influence off the field might be just as valuable for a young team trying to find its footing.
Justin Verlander, SP - Age 43
Verlander is chasing 300 wins and isn’t shy about it.
After a rocky start to 2025, he finished strong with the Giants, going 3-1 with a 1.96 ERA in his final seven starts. That kind of finish shows he’s still got something left in the tank.
For a team like the A’s, adding a future Hall of Famer-even in a limited role-could bring credibility and a much-needed veteran anchor to the rotation.
Kirby Yates, RP - Age 39
Yates dealt with a nagging hamstring injury last season, which clearly impacted his performance.
Still, he made 50 appearances for the Dodgers and has a track record of success when healthy. If he’s back to full strength, he could be a sneaky-solid addition to a bullpen that could use some veteran depth.
The A’s are clearly building around youth, and there’s a lot to like about the direction they’re heading. But every young team hits a point in the season where experience matters-whether it’s navigating a losing streak, managing the dog days of summer, or just learning how to win close games. That’s where a veteran voice can make all the difference.
So, A’s fans, what do you think? Could one of these seasoned vets bring some much-needed balance to the green and gold? Or is it time to let the kids run wild and learn on the fly?
One thing’s for sure: the market still has some intriguing names. And if the A’s are looking to add just the right mix of leadership and experience, there’s no shortage of options.