MLB analyst points to these two A’s players as the key to success originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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For a team not really worth paying attention to over the previous years, the Athletics came out firing last season. They were one of the best offensive teams in 2025, hitting home runs left and right.
Nick Kurtz could not have had a better rookie season, being named the AL Rookie of the Year. He will be one to watch early to see if he can parlay that elite season into another one this year.
However, he is not the only one who could have another monster season. All eyes will be on players like Brent Rooker, Tyler Soderstrom, Shea Langeliers, and a few others.
MORE: Athletics predicted to make exciting decisions with Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers
MLB analyst points to these two A’s players as the key to success
One player who did take a step back last season was Lawrence Butler. After a breakout season in 2024, he had his bits of struggles last year, even if he did join the 20-20 club.
If he can get it going this season, the A’s should be in a great spot.
Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly puts the pressure on Lawrence to perform this year, but he is not the only one.
“Again, the pitching is going to keep Mark Kotsay’s club from being a playoff team, but if Lawrence Butler and/or Jeff McNeil can bounce back offensively, the A’s offense might be good enough to carry them to their first winning record since 2021.”
Kelly also puts the pressure on Jeff McNeil to perform. He is one of the new faces for the A’s, coming to them as part of the Yordan Rodriguez trade.
The pitching staff likely won’t be enough to carry them to the postseason, but the offense could be enough to give them a winning record. Something the fanbase has not seen since they finished with an 86-76 record in 2021.
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