Athletics have found their closer amid surprising season

The Athletics entered the 2026 season without a specific closer.

Manager Mark Kotsay said the A's would use a closer-by-committee approach to begin the year, as that strategy worked well once closer Mason Miller was traded at the 2025 trade deadline. That approach was surprisingly effective as A's relievers posted a 2.99 ERA after the trade deadline, the second-best mark in the majors. Five different players recorded a save in that stretch, with Hogan Harris leading the team with four saves.

That approach has not been as effective this season. A's relievers have combined for a 3.98 ERA, 15th in the majors entering Friday. Four different pitchers — Joel Kuhnel, Hogan Harris, Mark Leiter Jr. and Jack Perkins — have recorded a save for the A's thus far. However, Perkins may have seized that role.

Jack Perkins the power closer the Athletics need

A minor league starter, Perkins had worked as a reliever in his first eight major league appearances in 2025 before making four starts. He fared far better as a reliever, posting a 2.75 ERA and a 0.915 WHIP over 19.2 innings, striking out 19 batters with seven walks while notching three saves. Perkins was 3-1 as a starter, but posted a 5.68 ERA and a 1.421 WHIP over 19 innings, striking out 18 batters with 11 walks.

His success as a reliever has continued this season. Perkins entered Friday with a 2.70 ERA and a 1.050 WHIP in his 13.1 innings, striking out 17 batters with three walks. He has recorded three saves in his last four appearances and appears to have taken over the ninth inning.

Perkins has the arsenal to handle the closer role. His changeup has been devastating in the early going and mixes well with his sweeper and upper-90s fastball. The A's have been one of the biggest surprises in the majors this season, and if Perkins can continue to dominate, their magical run could continue.