The Athletics wrapped up 2025 with their strongest regular season showing since 2021, when they last reached the playoffs. While they didn’t make the postseason, there’s plenty of reason for optimism heading into 2026.
Brent Rooker, Jacob Wilson, and Nick Kurtz powered the offense this past season. The three rookies dominated nearly every offensive category except OPS and RBIs.
Kurtz’s breakout campaign earned him a Silver Slugger Award – not bad for a first-year player.
Now the baseball world is taking notice. MLB Pipeline ranked both Kurtz and Wilson among the top rookies for long-term value. Kurtz landed at No. 2 behind Boston’s Roman Anthony, while Wilson claimed the third spot.
“Some scouts thought Kurtz offered the best combination of swing decisions, contact, and exit velocities in the 2024 Draft and the A’s rated him No. 1 on their Draft board before grabbing him with the No. 4 pick,” said Jim Callis.
Wilson’s numbers speak for themselves. His .311 average ranked fourth in the AL this season.
“Since 1900, only eight rookies who played primarily at shortstop exceeded Wilson’s .311 average (fourth in the AL) this season – including Hall of Famers Derek Jeter, Joe Sewell, and Arky Vaughan.”
That’s elite company for a rookie.
Both players bring the kind of offensive skills that teams covet. They could anchor Oakland’s lineup for years to come – or, knowing the A’s track record with star players, become valuable trade assets down the road.
Either way, the Athletics have something they haven’t had in a while: legitimate building blocks and a reason to believe 2026 could be even better.
