The winds of change are blowing through the Oakland A’s organization, and manager Mark Kotsay couldn’t be more excited. After years of being known as one of MLB’s most frugal franchises, the A’s are opening their wallets and making a splash in free agency as they prepare for their eventual move to Las Vegas.
The headline acquisition is undoubtedly starting pitcher Luis Severino, who inked a three-year, $67 million deal – the largest contract in team history. Severino’s arrival, along with the additions of third baseman Gio Urshela and left-hander Jeffrey Springs, has injected a palpable sense of optimism and ambition into the clubhouse.
A New Mindset in Oakland
Kotsay views these moves not just as a way to bolster the roster in the short term, but as a signal that ownership is committed to building a contender by the time they settle into their new ballpark in Sin City. It’s a far cry from the penny-pinching approach that has defined the A’s for so long.
“I do think that with this move, ownership is understanding where we need to be in 2028, what we want to accomplish when we move into that new ballpark,” Kotsay remarked. “My hope is we accomplish that prior to moving into the new ballpark, which is to win and get into the postseason and really start producing some championship type of seasons.”
– Mark Kotsay, A’s Manager
Embracing Revenue Sharing
A key factor driving this philosophical shift is the A’s newfound willingness to take full advantage of MLB’s revenue sharing system. For the first time under the current CBA, Oakland will receive 100% of their allotted funds, but with that comes an obligation to reinvest in payroll. Kotsay sees it as an opportunity to set the team up for success when they move to Vegas.
Players Energized by Active Offseason
The players are equally enthused by management’s aggressive approach this winter. Outfielder JJ Bleday captured the squad’s mood succinctly:
“I was like, ‘Heck yeah, let’s get it going.’ I think it shows we want to compete. It shows we want to make it to the postseason and we want to do everything we can to have a winning ballclub.”
– JJ Bleday, A’s Outfielder
Temporary Home, Permanent Goals
Before the bright lights of Vegas beckon, the A’s will spend the next few seasons calling Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento their home. Kotsay recently toured the facility and came away impressed, noting the ongoing renovations to get it up to MLB standards.
While the venue may be unfamiliar, the objectives remain steadfast – to construct a roster that can make noise in October. With young talents like Bleday, Brent Rooker, and JP Sears eager to complement the influx of veteran talent, the 2025 A’s are shaping up as a fascinating team to watch.
The Dawn of a New Era
Only time will tell if the A’s recent spending spree will translate to on-field success. But one thing is abundantly clear – the organization is turning the page on its cost-cutting past and charting an ambitious new course.
No longer content with just being competitive, Kotsay and company have their sights firmly set on championships. With a treasure trove of revenue sharing funds at their disposal and a hungry young core ready to blossom, the Athletics are poised to be major players as they embark on this thrilling new chapter.
Buckle up, baseball fans. The new-look Oakland A’s are coming, and they’re dreaming bigger than ever before. In the City of Angels, a dormant giant is finally stirring from its slumber.
