Las Vegas-bound A’s could return to relevance sooner than expected

Following an improved, if unspectacular, final season in Oakland, not much was expected of the Athletics in 2025. 

In many ways, this season hasn't been much different for the A's: a record under .500 and a likely finish near the bottom of the AL West. Yet, despite the team's unimpressive 62-72 record, a lot has gone right for the team this year.

In early May, the Athletics looked like a potential playoff team, boasting a record north of .500 in large part thanks to shortstop Jacob Wilson's torrid start to his career. But with such a young, inexperienced roster, it's not too surprising the A's hot streak cooled off quickly. 

A 7-21 record in May solidified the Athletics' position near the bottom of the league standings. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, though, this plucky A's squad refused to call it a lost season, instead using the last few months as an opportunity to set the stage for the future.

As the season has progressed, the Athletics quickly realized that the franchise had stumbled upon a gold mine of young talent. Wilson was the obvious star, but the A's may have found the meat of their lineup for years to come this season.

Both first-year and returning players have exceeded expectations. First baseman Nick Kurtz managed to overtake Wilson as AL Rookie of the Year favorite thanks to a scorching July that featured a four-home run performance. Had Wilson not missed a month with a broken left forearm, this would likely still be a hotly contested battle between teammates.

Although not at the same pace as his incredible 2024 campaign, Brent Rooker continues to mash as the A's full-time DH. Meanwhile, fifth-year catcher Shea Langeliers and third-year outfielder Tyler Soderstrom have broken out as foundational pieces for the franchise. 

Each member of the A's core lineup is sporting a WAR above 2.0, a good indicator of their offense's future. Langeliers (2.5), Kurtz (4.6), Wilson (2.0), Soderstrom (3.0) and Rooker (2.2) could alleviate the Athletics' offensive concerns for the next half-decade. 24-year-old right fielder Lawrence Butler (1.6) is no slouch, either.

The next step for the A's will be to re-evaluate their starting rotation. Jacob Lopez has All-Star potential, but much of the team's pitching staff has left plenty to be desired. Over the last month, though, the offense has negated the team's mediocre pitching.

Boasting a 20-10 record over their last 30 games, the Athletics should be able to build on the team's 69-93 2024 campaign. It will likely be a minimal improvement, but the A's final record won't show just how much this roster has progressed.

With two more seasons in Sacramento before the franchise's eventual move to Las Vegas, the Athletics likely weren't planning on making big strides before 2028. But if the core of their lineup stays intact and continues to improve, the A's could be primed for a postseason return before departing for their permanent home.