Introduction to the A’s Future
The Athletics are looking to the future with optimism, thanks to young stars like Nick Kurtz. The team is currently in transition, playing in Sacramento before a planned move to Las Vegas in 2028. Despite a tough season so far, with a 49-65 record, the worst in the AL West, the A’s have a dynamic and competitive roster shaping up.
The Rise of Nick Kurtz
Kurtz, who recently had one of the greatest individual performances in big-league history, is the odds-on favorite to be AL Rookie of the Year. He’s hardly the only talented youngster giving A’s fans reason to feel optimistic about the team’s on-field direction. Kurtz became the first rookie to hit four home runs in a game and tied the major-league record with 19 total bases by going 6 for 6 with eight RBIs on July 25 at Houston.
A Dynamic Roster
The A’s have a number of talented young players, including Jacob Wilson, Lawrence Butler, and catcher Shea Langeliers. The club added 18-year-old shortstop Leo De Vries as part of a multiplayer trade with San Diego that sent out closer Mason Miller and his 101-mph fastball. MLB.com rates De Vries as baseball’s No. 3 prospect. All-Star designated hitter Brent Rooker is also on the roster and under contract through at least 2028.
Pitching Struggles
While the A’s have a strong lineup, their pitching has lagged behind. The team has added several pitching prospects, including three in the Miller trade and another in right-hander Kenya Huggins. They have 25-year-old Jack Perkins, called up Luis Morales, and have Gage Jump in their minor-league system. The A’s also selected Florida State left-hander Jamie Arnold 11th overall in this year’s draft.
Management’s Vision
A’s general manager David Forst said that while the team wants to win in the present, their focus is on building a competitive team for 2028 when they move to Las Vegas. "We certainly want to win in present day and ’26 and ’27 are important to us, but a lot of our internal conversations are about what the team will look like in 2028 when we get to Las Vegas," Forst said. The A’s have signed several players to long-term contracts, including Rooker and Butler, to ensure they have a strong core in place for the move.
Player Perspectives
Butler said he feels like the team is headed in the right direction, with a lot of young players who are ready to compete at the major league level. Rooker, who is one of the older players on the team at 30, said he doesn’t feel like he needs to take the young players under his wing, as they are already talented and capable.
Conclusion
The A’s are looking to the future with optimism, thanks to young stars like Nick Kurtz and a dynamic roster. While the team has struggled with pitching, they have added several prospects and have a strong lineup in place. With a planned move to Las Vegas in 2028, the A’s are focused on building a competitive team that can succeed in their new market.
FAQs
Q: Who is the A’s top rookie prospect?
A: Nick Kurtz is the odds-on favorite to be AL Rookie of the Year.
Q: Where will the A’s play in 2028?
A: The A’s will play in Las Vegas in 2028, after spending several seasons in Sacramento.
Q: Who is the A’s general manager?
A: David Forst is the A’s general manager.
Q: What is the A’s record this season?
A: The A’s have a 49-65 record, the worst in the AL West.
Q: Who are some of the A’s top young players?
A: Some of the A’s top young players include Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson, Lawrence Butler, and catcher Shea Langeliers.
