Christine: The Athletics won the AL West with sixty-four wins. They are heading to Las Vegas in two years. And right now, their roster is a puzzle of lawsuits, youth, and one healthy pitcher who might save them all.
Christine: And I’m Christine. We are talking about the Oakland Athletics' future. Today we break down three major position battles that will define your 2027 season.
Jason: First, the catcher spot between Jonah Heim and Shea Langeliers. Second, the infield logjam at third base with Zack Gelof, Max Muncy, and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer. And third, whether Jeffrey Springs can actually anchor this rotation after missing so much time.
Christine: We also talk about Taylor Smith’s hiring as president of baseball operations and why owner John Fisher thinks thirty-one-year-olds run the world. Stick with us.
Christine: Let’s start with the most visible battle: catching. You have Jonah Heim and Shea Langeliers on this roster. Both are young. Both are expensive. But only one stays in Las Vegas.
Jason: It’s a classic conflict between defense and offense. Heim brings elite defensive framing and game-calling. Langelier offers more raw power potential but has been inconsistent behind the plate.
Christine: With Taylor Smith coming in to lead baseball operations, do you think they keep both? Or is one moving on?
Jason: I doubt they keep both. The budget for Las Vegas will be tight. If Smith prioritizes analytics-driven efficiency, he might lean toward Heim for his defensive metrics. But if they want to maximize offensive upside, Langelier’s bat is too good to ignore.
Christine: Brian Serven is also there. He’s a veteran backup. Does he have a role?
Jason: Serven is insurance. If one of the starters gets hurt, he’s there. But he’s not starting. This is really a two-horse race for the primary gig.
Christine: So, Heim for defense, Langelier for power. Which one does the A’s pick for the long term?
Jason: I’d bet on Langelier. Power wins games. Defense can be coached. Offense cannot.
Christine: Bold take. Let’s move to the infield. Third base is crowded. Zack Gelof, Max Muncy, and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer are all on the roster.
Jason: And let’s not forget Darell Hernaiz and Alika Williams at short stop. The entire infield is a competition.
Christine: Zack Gelof just sued the Tigers over a metal fence incident. How does that affect his standing?
Jason: It’s a distraction. But it doesn’t change his talent. Gelof has speed and gap power. The lawsuit is legal noise. On the field, he’s still a key piece.
Christine: Max Muncy is older. His contract is big. Do you see him staying in Oakland through the transition?
Jason: Unlikely. Muncy is a rental. He’s great for now, but with Kuroda-Grauer rising, Muncy’s days are numbered. The A’s need to free up cap space for Vegas.
Christine: So Gelof starts, Kuroda-Grauer plays second or third, and Muncy is traded?
Jason: Exactly. That’s the smartest path forward.
Christine: Wait until next week when we discuss the bullpen arms breaking out. Stick with us.
Christine: Segment two: the pitching staff. Last episode we talked about Jeffrey Springs. Today, we look at the rest of the rotation.
Jason: Right. Springs is the ace if he’s healthy. But who’s behind him? You have Henry Baez, Joey Estes, Gage Jump, Jacob Lopez, Luis Morales, Kade Morris, Braden Nett, and Jack Perkins.
Christine: That’s nine starters. Plus the bullpen arms like Elvis Alvarado, Mason Barnett, Brady Basso, Hunter Bigge, Scott Blewett, Hogan Harris, Geoff Hartlieb, Seth Johnson, Hayden Juenger, Luis Medina, Joe Rock, Drew Rom, Chris Roycroft, and Yunior Tur.
Jason: It’s deep. But depth isn’t quality. Who stands out?
Christine: Brady Basso and Hunter Bigge were mentioned last time as breakout candidates. Do you still see that?
Jason: Yes. Bigge has a high ceiling. Basso is consistent. Both could be middle relievers or even swingmen in 2027.
Christine: What about the younger arms like Kade Morris or Braden Nett?
Jason: Morris is projectable. Nett has command issues. It’s a mix.
Christine: Taylor Smith hired because he brings new ideas. Do these young arms fit his vision?
Jason: Perfectly. Smith likes data. These guys are data-rich. They’re exactly what he wants.
Christine: So Springs leads, Basso/Bigge support, and the rest compete for spots.
Jason: That’s the plan.
Christine: Let’s talk about the outfield. Lawrence Butler, Denzel Clarke, Carlos Cortes, Johnathan Rodriguez, and Henry Bolte.
Jason: Butler is the everyday center fielder. Clarke is the backup. Cortes and Rodriguez are fringe options. Bolte is a prospect.
Christine: Is that enough depth for two years?
Jason: For now. But they’ll need to add. The current group is thin on experience.
Christine: Agreed. Next segment: roster cuts and predictions. Stick around.
Christine: Segment three: who makes the team in Las Vegas? We have to cut someone from this massive list.
Jason: Jeffrey Springs stays. He’s the anchor. Zack Gelof stays. He’s the face of the franchise despite the lawsuit.
Christine: Who goes? Max Muncy? Brian Serven? Or one of the bullpen arms?
Jason: Muncy goes. His contract is too heavy. Serven might go too. They need to shed payroll.
Christine: So the core is Springs, Gelof, Langelier, Butler, and Basso/Bigge.
Jason: Plus Kuroda-Grauer and Hernaiz. That’s a solid foundation.
Christine: And Taylor Smith builds around them. This is exciting.
Jason: It is. For a team with sixty-four wins, this looks like a promising rebuild.
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Jason: Thanks for listening. We’ll see you tomorrow.
Christine: Rate, review, and share. Go A’s!