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May 16, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (left) chats up team general manager David Forst before their game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Last night, the Athletics opened their first series after the trade deadline with their sixth straight loss, falling 5-4 to the Cincinnati Reds in yet another embarrassing performance from one of MLB’s biggest laughingstocks.
Speaking of the deadline, it came and went with the A’s as quiet as a mouse. While other teams were wheeling and dealing, the A’s stood pat, only choosing to trade struggling outfielder Colby Thomas to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for reliever Seth Johnson, who immediately joined the team’s bullpen.
The team could have made other trades to increase the amount of pitching talent in the organization, but general manager David Forst decided not to address the roster’s biggest weakness. While it is true that the team does not currently have many healthy and valuable trade assets, it is hard to imagine that other clubs were not interested in veterans Jeff McNeil and Jonah Heim, who could have filled valuable, albeit smaller, roles on playoff-contending teams. The return packages for these players likely would have been minimal, but the Athletics still could have acquired a couple of pitching prospects to strengthen their farm system.
Down on the farm, the organization has continued to demonstrate an ability to develop position players. The progress of young hitters Devin Taylor, Joshua Kuroda-Grauer and Breyson Guedez shows that the team has built a strong foundation in this area.
However, that success has not carried over to pitching development. The Athletics have yet to master that aspect, as evidenced by the regression among pitchers from the major leagues down to Double-A.
The big-league team’s inability to get outs has been mentioned ad nauseam. Unfortunately, it does not get much better in the minors, as the two pitching prospects the team acquired in the Mason Miller trade—right-handers Braden Nett and Henry Baez—have both failed to live up to expectations. Last but not least, left-hander Jamie Arnold, the A’s first-round pick in last year’s MLB draft, is experiencing a rockier, more inconsistent professional debut than many expected.
Forst’s contract expires at the end of the season. Since Billy Beane handed him control of the team’s daily operations in 2022, the duo of Forst and manager Mark Kotsey has not overseen a winning team. Meanwhile, other franchises have caught up to—and in many cases surpassed—the Athletics, leaving the Green and Gold without the competitive edge they once enjoyed through the Moneyball philosophy. Additionally, several of Forst’s trades and free-agent signings have failed to produce the desired results.
Should this year mark the end for Forst and Kotsay? If so, who do you think should take over these critical roles? Or should the Athletics wait until 2028, given the possibility that a lockout could wipe out all of next season?
A’s Coverage:
- A’s Fall To Reds 5-4
- A’s roster moves: Kurtz & Springs to IL, Ginn activated, Muncy recalled
- MLB Trade Grades: A’s Have Quiet Trade Deadline
- A’s Shut Out By Tigers 11-0
- Fustercluck 2026: The Real Reasons For A Disappointing Season
- A’s Late Comeback Not Enough in 8-6 Loss to Tigers
- Signs Of Hope And Signs Of Hopeless
- Late Collapse Costs A’s Chance at Series Split
- Red Sox Edge A’s 4-2 in Extra-inning Heartbreaker
- A’s Squeak by Red Sox 4-3
- Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko says feeling in his legs returning
- Cuban’s investment group purchases minority stake in Athletics
- Chan Ho Park joins A’s group; 1st Korean to buy stake in MLB club
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- 8 significant surprises from another chaotic Trade Deadline
- MLB trade deadline 2026: Biggest winners and losers
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- Bryce Harper returns to Phillies’ outfield after Luis Arraez trade
- Rockies, Mickey Moniak reach extension through 2028 season
- Olson joins Musial in 8th place on all-time consecutive games list
- Lombard brothers punctuate simultaneous debuts with matching homers
- Mets Backed Out Of Trade Sending Clay Holmes To Diamondbacks
- ’We’re trying to win’: Preller unapologetic in dealing top prospects to boost rotation
- Padres’ Nick Pivetta abruptly walks off field during rehab outing
- Before deadline, Jacob deGrom told Rangers he wants to stay
- Tigers president Scott Harris defends return in Skubal trade
- Today in Baseball History
Best of X:
Former MLB General manager Jim Bowden rightfully unpleased with the Athletics’ lack of activity at the trade deadline.
Do you agree with this mentality, or should the A’s at least try their best to win the remaining games on their schedule this season?
Organizational transaction update: Cole Conn, an under-the-radar catching prospect who made his Triple-A debut last night, stands out from this group. Additionally, hopefully everything goes smoothly during Zack Gelof’s rehab assignment so he can return sooner rather than later.
The Athletics continue to integrate themselves into the Las Vegas community ahead of their planned relocation to Southern Nevada in 2028.
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