The Athletics are already looking ahead to 2027, and it’s clear they are ready to shake things up, starting with letting veteran reliever Mark Leiter Jr. walk in free agency this offseason. It’s a move that signals the A’s know they need a serious overhaul to contend, especially on the pitching staff.
Leiter Jr.’s Chapter Closes With The A’s
This isn’t just about one guy, it’s about what the A’s bullpen needs moving forward. Leiter Jr., a 35-year-old right-hander and former New York Yankee, posted a 4.28 ERA in 36 appearances out of the A’s bullpen this season. He actually finished strong, giving up just one run in his final 18 innings, but the dude suffered a season-ending hip injury and underwent surgery back in July. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman nailed it, saying Leiter Jr. “is a 35-year-old without an exciting track record.” Sure, he’d be a cheap option, but the club needs more than “cheap.” They need *firepower* for those critical late innings. The writing is on the wall: they have to upgrade.
Ownership Needs To Pony Up For Vegas
Here’s the real kicker: the Athletics have just one more season in West Sacramento before making the big move to Las Vegas. This isn’t just a relocation, it’s a chance for a fresh start, and that means a better team on the field. The big question is whether ownership will actually be willing to have a higher payroll next year or if they’ll wait until the move to Vegas is complete. Rotman summed it up perfectly: “The A’s should be looking to upgrade. That means letting Leiter go and replacing him with someone better, even if John Fisher has to spend a little bit more money.” To contend in 2027, they need to bring in “proven high-leverage relievers.” It’s that simple.
The A’s are clearly sending a message that they’re serious about improving the pitching staff for 2027. It’ll be fascinating to see which direction they go and if John Fisher truly opens the checkbook to build a contender before they hit the bright lights of Vegas.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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