The Oakland Athletics' Starting Pitcher Conundrum: Will They Find Their Ace?
The A's have been busy this off-season, ticking off most items on their wish list. They've bolstered their second base position with Jeff McNeil, strengthened the bullpen with Mark Leiter Jr., and secured their future with Tyler Soderstrom's extension. But there's a glaring omission—the missing piece of the puzzle that could make or break their 2026 season.
The top priority for the A's was to acquire a starting pitcher to bolster their rotation, a weakness that was exposed in 2025. However, as free agency progressed, the A's found themselves on the sidelines, watching other teams ink deals for top-tier talent. The question on every fan's mind is, why haven't the A's made their move yet?
Free Agent Market: A Tough Sell
Two elite starting pitchers remain unsigned, but it's hard to envision the A's landing either Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez. These pitchers will likely command hefty contracts and prefer pitching in more favorable ballparks. While the A's could target the next tier of free agents, it's a risky proposition. Pitchers like Zac Gallen and Chris Bassitt offer potential, but they also come with concerns. Gallen had a down season in 2025, and Bassitt, despite his consistency, is approaching the twilight of his career.
Trade Scenarios: Exploring Options
The trade market presents its own challenges. Teams are typically tight-lipped about their trade intentions, making it difficult to predict potential deals. Additionally, many teams are seeking to add starting pitching rather than trade it away. However, a few names stand out as potential targets.
Kris Bubic, with only one year left on his contract, could be an appealing option. The A's might consider offering a deal centered around Colby Thomas to fill the Royals' outfield needs. Another possibility is Pablo Lopez, a talented but injury-prone pitcher with two years remaining on his contract. A trade involving young talent like Braden Nett or Mason Barnett and Tommy White could be on the table, though the A's might need to sweeten the deal with additional talent and cash.
The Clock is Ticking
With spring training just around the corner, the A's front office has some tough decisions to make. Are any of these potential targets worth pursuing? Should they explore other options? And here's where it gets controversial—is the A's current rotation good enough to compete, or are they one starting pitcher away from contention? The answer could shape the team's future. What do you think? Is there a starting pitcher out there who could be the missing link for the A's, or should they focus on other areas of improvement?
