MLB insider reveals very exciting Athletics free agency rumor originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Athletics are sitting top of the American League West in 2026 on Memorial Day, but it's not because they're having some incredible season; the rest of the division just so happens to be well below .500.
Visit biznow.biz for more information.
But that doesn't mean there's no reason to be excited about the Athletics this season. Nick Kurtz looks as good as ever, and Shea Langeliers has been awesome this season. There is just one issue: the starting rotation.
While it might not get resolved at the trade deadline, MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today revealed that the Athletics might actually be aggressive in the upcoming free agency period to acquire pitching help to become true contenders.
Athletics rumored to be 'major' players in free agent market after 2026 season
"They are expected to be major players in free agency this winter," Nightengale writes, "and plan to heavily recruit pitchers with the sales pitch that they'll be in the minor league bandbox in Sacramento just one more year, and then it's off to the beautiful confines on the Vegas Strip with no state taxes."
This rumor from Nightengale is a very exciting one for the Athletics. If this comes true, there might be some fun additions coming for the A's after the 2026 season.
With their sights set on some significant pitching upgrades, the Athletics could target a few very interesting players next offseason.
MORE: Mets projected to still sell at trade deadline by ex-MLB GM
Tarik Skubal, Robbie Ray, Shota Imanaga, Brandon Woodruff, Zac Gallen, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Jack Flaherty, Lance McCullers Jr., and Jameson Taillon are a few unrestricted free agents.
Nightengale is alluding to the Athletics as big spenders in free agency, and if they are adding such talent, there is sure to be plenty of starters they could acquire next year.
A very fun offseason could be in store for the Athletics following the 2026 season. Even if they don't make the postseason this year, if they add a few elite starters in free agency, the A's might be a postseason contender, and maybe a World Series contender very soon.
More MLB news:
- 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
- Roman Anthony might’ve been overhyped for Red Sox
- Dodgers still have a Roki Sasaki problem
- Chase Burns becomes first Reds pitcher with elite stat line since 1922
- Yankees’ Aaron Judge on track to become first player in MLB history with five 50+ homer seasons