Athletics emerging as surprise contenders amid strong start to season

Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes, center fielder Zack Gelof and right fielder Lawrence Butler celebrate after the Athletics defeated the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park. Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Athletics emerging as surprise contenders amid strong start to season

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated May 1, 2026 10:46 PM ET

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Don't look now, but the Athletics are first in the AL West.

They are a sleeper team and have the potential to be contenders this season.

While it's still early in the season, they have a potent young core consisting of notable bats such as Nick Kurtz and Brent Rooker.

But Carlos Cortes, among many other players, deserves the limelight. He's compiled a 1.332 OPS, .522 OBP and a .476 batting average in his last 15 games.

In the last 15 days, there’s a player with a:

1.332 OPS
.522 OBP
.476 BA
.810 SLG

It’s Carlos Cortes.

RESPECT HIM pic.twitter.com/rqhkdOhLzy
— SleeperMLB (@SleeperMLB) May 1, 2026

Athletics looking to take a step forward this season

The emerging young core that has been the foundation of the Athletics has proved be competitive. They finished April with three straight series wins, bringing strong momentum that has baffled the minds of many.

The development of young talent also consists of crucial players such as Lawrence Butler, Jacob Wilson and Tyler Soderstrom. They are all viewed as long-standing cornerstones for the organization. Following a solid rookie season from Wilson in 2025, he continues to provide a stalwart presence in the lineup.

But if the Athletics want to remain true contenders this season, they need their starting pitching to improve (4.85 ERA in 2025). While their rotation this season still ranks in the bottom in MLB, they are focusing on their high-upside arms, such as Jeffrey Springs, while relying on the development of prospects like Luis Morales.

They have been using a closer-by-committee approach similar to the Toronto Blue Jays. Their shortage of dominant closers was the reason behind this strategy. However, a front-runner has emerged to seize that role.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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