No Breakup in Oakland
The Athletics, once seen as a wild card contender, have instead become a cautionary tale of unmet expectations this season. With a 45-63 record and the second-worst mark in the American League, the A’s are sticking to their guns. GM David Forst has made it clear: no blockbuster trades are coming to Oakland this deadline.
Despite the team’s steep fall from grace, Forst says the A’s are built for the long haul. "Just because we’re not in a playoff race doesn’t mean you’re selling off pieces," he said on A’s Cast. That’s a firm stance for a team with a young, talented core. Many of their key players, like 23-year-old Nick Kurtz and 24-year-old Tyler Soderstrom, have been signed to the team for years to come.
Struggles on the Mound
The A’s have lost nine consecutive series and are now 12 series winless in a row, the longest streak since 2008. Their pitching staff has been a major liability, with the bullpen sporting a 5.45 ERA, the highest in the majors. Over the past eight games, the A’s have blown three saves and allowed nearly half of inherited runners to score.
A veteran reliever could help stabilize the situation. The A’s currently lack a traditional closer and have no proven starting pitcher in the rotation. But as Forst has stated, there’s no plan to trade away any of their core, even as injuries mount.
Injuries and Missed Potential
Injuries have further stalled progress. Thirteen players, including multiple All-Stars like Brent Rooker, who will miss the rest of the season with a torn knee cartilage, are on the injury list. The A’s are now playing with a roster that looks more like a minor league farm team at times.
Yet Forst insists the 2026 season is not a write-off. Minor setbacks have cost the team, but the core remains intact. The Athletics will play out the year without major moves and look to the future. "We’ve built this team for the long haul," Forst said. That, at least, is a consistent message in a season full of missed chances.