Three questions facing Athletics this offseason

For nearly three months at the beginning of the year, the Athletics looked like a potential playoff contender.

The A's led the AL West as late as May 26 and were still a .500 team on June 19. They were within two games of the division lead on June 26. However, a 28-60 record from June 20 through the end of the season torpedoed that early momentum, with only the moribund Angels keeping them from the AL West basement.

There are reasons to believe the A's could take the next step. They have an exciting young core in the lineup that can stand among the best in the game. The A's are scheduled to move to Las Vegas in 2028 and would ideally like to be able to contend when they arrive in their new home. However, plenty of questions remain as the A's look to return to relevance.

Three questions for the Athletics

1. Can the A's find enough pitching?

A's pitchers have been at a disadvantage in their temporary home at Sutter Health Park, which has played more like the AL version of Coors Field. That was clear as the A's pitching staff posted a combined 5.53 ERA, better than only the Rockies (5.59).

That pitching staff may lose a couple of key pieces. Luis Severino has not pitched well during his time in Sacramento and would normally be a lock to exercise his $22 million player option for 2027, but he has been vocal about his disdain for playing in a minor league stadium. 

Jeffrey Springs was ineffective at best and has a $15 million team option with a $750,000 buyout; he may not have a second year with the A's. J.T. Ginn was the A's best pitcher but profiles as a back-of-the-rotation starter. Hogan Harris, Luis Medina and Elvis Alvarado were solid in the bullpen, but the A's need to find several more options for their relief corps as well.

2. Who gets extended next?

The A's had been known for moving star players as they approached free agency, as they operated on a shoestring budget. Those times have changed as ownership has been willing to spend to lock in their core. Outfielders Lawrence Butler, Tyler Soderstrom and Brent Rooker and shortstop Jacob Wilson have signed long-term extensions, locking in a key trio in the lineup.

Several intriguing options remain as possible extension candidates. Catcher Shea Langeliers has two more years of team control left and has emerged as a key power threat in the A's lineup. First baseman Nick Kurtz is a year away from being arbitration-eligible, and while he would likely command a hefty price tag, he may be a bargain if the A's can make an extension work. Top prospect Leodalis De Vries has yet to make his major league debut but could be a candidate as well.

3. How active will the A's be in free agency?

Despite the A's young core, there are numerous holes on the roster as they look to contend. Their bench is lacking in talent and experience. The pitching staff needs a complete overhaul. If the A's are going to fulfill their goal of having a playoff-caliber roster for their new stadium, they will need to be active in free agency.

The question there becomes how much the A's are willing to spend. While owner John Fisher has been more inclined to open the checkbook since the A's left Oakland, they ranked 24th in the majors in payroll. Supplementing the young core and fortifying the roster may cost more than the A's are willing to spend.