Spring Watch: Three Key A’s Storylines to Track as Camp Opens
The sound of gloves popping and cleats crunching on clay can only mean one thing - baseball is back. Pitchers and catchers have reported, and while the early days are heavy on stretching, light tossing, and even lighter conclusions, the storylines are already starting to take shape for the Oakland A’s. As the Cactus League opener inches closer, here are three situations worth keeping a close eye on as the roster begins to take form.
1. Max Muncy: Is Third Base His to Lose?
It looks like Max Muncy is getting the first crack at locking down third base - and while it’s not quite a permanent handoff, it’s definitely his job to seize. Behind him, Darell Hernaiz, Brett Harris, and Andy Ibañez are all in the mix, at least on paper. But if you’ve been following the team’s depth charts, you’ll notice Harris, despite his defensive chops, keeps getting listed as more of a backup option than a true contender.
That’s notable, because Harris brings a strong glove and solid offensive potential - two qualities that would shore up a defense playing behind a rotation with more question marks than exclamation points. Still, Muncy enters spring with the inside track. The big question: has he made strides at the hot corner?
In 2025, Muncy’s glove at third was a work in progress - flashes of promise offset by inconsistency in range, hands, and arm accuracy. The A’s are hoping a full offseason of reps and refinement has helped smooth out the rough edges. If he looks more natural and comfortable over there this spring, it could go a long way toward solidifying the infield.
Offensively, Muncy was starting to show some life at the plate before landing on the IL last season. But his exit velocities and hard-hit rates still left room for growth. Early spring training numbers can be deceiving, so while his bat will be worth monitoring, the real focus will be on how he handles the glove.
2. Mason Barnett: A New Arm Slot, A New Opportunity?
Sometimes, it only takes one adjustment to unlock a young pitcher’s potential - a slight tweak in mechanics, a new grip, a different spot on the rubber. For Mason Barnett, the key might be a return to a more familiar arm slot.
The A’s have said Barnett’s arm angle shifted last year, and it wasn’t something easily corrected midseason. Now, with a full offseason to recalibrate, the 24-year-old right-hander enters camp with a chance to reestablish himself as a legitimate rotation candidate.
Barnett came to the A’s with solid prospect buzz and a track record of swing-and-miss stuff in the minors. But his 2025 debut was rocky: a 6.85 ERA in 22 innings, with 26 hits and 11 walks allowed. That followed a 6.13 ERA at Triple-A, raising questions about whether his stuff would translate.
Still, scouts haven’t bailed. There’s still belief in his mid-rotation upside - and if the arm slot adjustment helps him find his command and deception again, Barnett could quickly re-enter the conversation as a key piece of the A’s future.
With Gage Jump likely to begin the year in the minors, and other young arms like J.T. Ginn and Joey Estes also looking to take the next step, the A’s would benefit greatly from one of them - especially Barnett - emerging early. His spring outings will be must-watch for anyone tracking the team’s pitching depth.
3. Leo De Vries: On the Fast Track or Just Getting Started?
Let’s be clear: Leo De Vries isn’t making the Opening Day roster. But that doesn’t mean he won’t be one of the most intriguing players in camp.
The 19-year-old shortstop is one of the A’s most exciting prospects, and while he’s likely to be an early cut from big league camp, his presence alone is telling. The A’s want to get a good look at how close he is - and how quickly he might force their hand.
De Vries has a special bat, no question. But this spring, the focus will be on his glove.
How polished is he defensively? Can he handle the speed of the game at this level?
And just as importantly, where does he line up?
So far, he’s only played shortstop in his professional career. But with Jacob Wilson seemingly entrenched there, any reps De Vries gets at second or third could hint at the organization’s thinking. If he sticks exclusively at short, it might mean the A’s still view him as their long-term answer at the position - or at least want to keep that door open.
Whether he looks raw or remarkably advanced, De Vries’ performance this spring could shape the timeline for his eventual debut. If he starts turning heads now, a midseason call-up isn’t out of the question.
Final Thoughts
Spring training is about more than just box scores - it’s about seeing growth, adjustments, and potential. For the A’s, that means watching how Muncy handles third, whether Barnett’s new mechanics unlock his upside, and just how close De Vries might be to making the leap.
The games start in just over a week. Until then, we’ll be watching the early signs, the subtle shifts, and the players looking to turn opportunity into impact. Baseball’s back - and for the A’s, the storylines are already heating up.