Athletics News

Colby Thomas  • OF  •  Athletics

X-Rays Come Back Negative On Colby Thomas

The X-rays came back negative on Athletics outfield prospect Colby Thomas (knee). Thomas exited Saturday's spring training contest early after being struck by a line drive while at third base. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but it appears that this injury is not overly serious. However, the team may keep Thomas sidelined for a few games out of precaution. Thomas is considered one of the top prospects in the Athletics system. Last season, the Mercer production opened the campaign by making his Double-A debut. Across 59 games, he held a strong .282/.340/.568 line. He was then promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas where he posted a .272/.344/.559 slash line. Fantasy managers should expect Thomas to open the 2025 campaign at Triple-A but he should be in the mix for an early-season MLB debut given his success at Triple-A last summer.
6 hours ago   
Colby Thomas  • OF  •  Athletics

Colby Thomas Sustains Injury On Saturday

Athletics outfield prospect Colby Thomas (knee) exited Saturday's contest after being hit by a hard liner in his right knee. Thomas needed help from a trainer to leave the game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team will likely provide an update after he goes through testing. Thomas is considered the No. 3 prospect in their system on MLB.com. Last season, Thomas opened the season by making his Double-A debut. Across 59 contests, he held a .282/.340/.568 slash line with 19 doubles and 14 home runs. He was then promoted to Triple-A where he held a similar .272/.344/.559 line with 25 doubles and 17 round-trippers. Given his success at Triple-A last summer, the Mercer product will likely be in the mix for an early MLB debut during the 2025 campaign.
19 hours ago   
Nick Kurtz  • 1B  •  Athletics

Nick Kurtz Exits After Hit-By-Pitch

Athletics first base prospect Nick Kurtz (hand) exited Saturday's spring training contest after being hit by a pitch in his hand. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team will likely provide an update in the coming days. Kurtz is considered one of the top prospects in the Athletics' system. He was drafted with the fourth-overall pick in last year's MLB Draft out of Wake Forest. Kurtz received a brief taste of Single-A before finishing the campaign with Double-A. During his first five games at the Double-A level, the infielder tallied four hits including one double. Through 13 games in spring training, Kurtz has posted a .250/.464/.400 slash line with one home run and a 7:4 BB:K. Fantasy managers should expect Kurtz to open the season at the upper levels of the minor leagues. If he continues to perform well, he could push for an MLB debut in the second half.
19 hours ago   
Noah Murdock  • SP  •  Athletics

Noah Murdock Could Make Opening Day Roster

Athletics right-handed pitcher Noah Murdock is a favorite to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. Murdock has performed well during spring training, which has given him a good opportunity to break camp. Across six 2/3 innings, Murdock has held a strong 0.90 WHIP with six punchouts. He has allowed just two hits with three earned runs. Martin Gallegos of MLB.com noted that he will likely earn a spot in the bullpen. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress during camp but it appears he is set to make his MLB debut. Last summer, Murdock made his Triple-A debut and tossed 38 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.76 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP. He held a 26:46 BB:K and did not allow a home run. If he makes the Opening Day roster, he will likely open the season in a low-leverage role and carry minimal fantasy value.
2 days ago   
CJ Alexander  • 3B  •  Athletics

CJ Alexander Back In Spring Lineup

Athletics third baseman CJ Alexander (undisclosed) is back at third base and is batting eighth in the Cactus League game on Wednesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Alexander is back in action after he was removed from Monday's spring game against the Chicago White Sox due to an undisclosed injury. Obviously, it wasn't a very serious one for the 28-year-old infielder. He will now resume his competition for one of the final position-player spots on the team's Opening Day roster. The left-handed hitter hasn't made a very good case for himself in 13 spring training games this year, as he's gone just 3-for-18 (.167) with two RBI, four walks and four strikeouts in 22 plate appearances. Alexander made his big-league debut in 2024 with the Kansas City Royals but went 1-for-8 with three K's in only four games.
4 days ago   
Jacob Wilson  • 3B  |  Jacob Wilson  • SS  •  Athletics

Jacob Wilson Projected To Be Opening Day Shortstop

Athletics shortstop prospect Jacob Wilson is projected to be the team's Opening Day shortstop. Wilson is viewed as the top prospect in their system. He made his MLB debut last summer and held a .250/.314/.315 line across 28 games before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury. After being drafted with the sixth-overall selection in the 2023 MLB Draft and appearing in just 29 MiLB games later that summer, Wilson flashed elite upside in 2024. He began his season with Double-A and posted a .455/.473/.705 slash line across 22 contests. He then moved up to Triple-A and held a .396/.448/.613 line across 26 contests before reaching the majors. Given his high-quality contact skills, fantasy managers should view Wilson as a strong batting average contributor in the final rounds of the draft. He also carries high sleeper value in points leagues as well given the low 9.7 percent strikeout rate he held in his first taste of the majors.
5 days ago   
Esteury Ruiz  • CF  •  Athletics

Esteury Ruiz Not Expected To Make Opening Day Roster

Athletics outfielder Esteury Ruiz is viewed as the "odd man out" in the outfield and not expected to make the Opening Day roster. Martin Gallegos of MLB.com noted that Miguel Andujar and Seth Brown are projected to have more significant roles as depth options. Last season, Ruiz appeared in just 29 MLB contests. During this stint, he posted a .200/.270/.382 slash line with two home runs and five stolen bases. While he generated a weak .189 xBA, he showcased elite speed as he placed in the 95th percentile in sprint speed. In 2023, Ruiz swiped an incredible 67 bags (most in the American League) and held a .254/.309/.345 slash line across 132 games. As a result, fantasy managers should expect the 26-year-old to open the campaign at the Triple-A level. He may have value in deeper category formats if he were to return to the majors later in the summer.
5 days ago   
CJ Alexander  • 3B  •  Athletics

CJ Alexander Departs Monday's Contest With Injury

Athletics third baseman CJ Alexander (undisclosed) exited Monday's contest early with an injury. Alexander was able to walk off the field but needed assistance. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team should provide an update on his injury. The 28-year-old made his MLB debut last summer with the Kansas City Royals. Across four contests, Alexander tallied just one hit and struck out three times. He spent most of his season at the Triple-A level where he held a strong .302/.361/.559 slash line with the Omaha Storm Chasers and the Las Vegas Aviators. He tallied 27 doubles and added 19 long balls. When he returns to action, he could compete to earn a depth role in the majors given his success at the Triple-A level.
5 days ago   
Dylan Floro  • RP  •  Athletics

A's Reassign Dylan Floro To Minor-League Camp

The Athletics reassigned right-hander Dylan Floro to minor-league camp on Monday. In other moves, the A's also optioned right-handers Ryan Cusick and Gunnar Hogland and outfielder Denzel Clarke to Triple-A Las Vegas. Right-handers Jason Alexander, Tanner Dodson and Jack Perkins, left-hander Ben Bowden, catcher Kyle McCann, infielder Nick Kurtz and outfielders Henry Bolte, Carlos Cortes and Colby Thomas were also reassigned to minor-league camp. The 34-year-old Floro agreed to a minor-league pact with the A's late last month, which made it difficult for him to make a serious run for an Opening Day bullpen spot. However, Floro has plenty of experience and made 66 big-league appearances with the Nationals and Diamondbacks last year. There's a good chance he'll be back in the majors at some point in 2025, but he won't have much fantasy appeal, if any at all.
5 days ago   
Lawrence Butler  • RF  •  Athletics

Athletics, Lawrence Butler Agree To A Seven-Year, $65.5 Million Extension

The Athletics and their dynamic young outfielder Lawrence Butler have agreed to a seven-year, $65.5 million contract extension. In 2024, the former sixth-round draft pick slashed .262/.317/.490 with 22 home runs and 18 stolen bases in just 125 games (451 PA). The 24-year-old is a power-speed threat, batting atop the A's lineup in front of home run hitters Brent Rooker and Shea Langeliers, so fantasy managers should expect solid production across the board from the youngster. ATC projections, which are conservative by nature, see the left-handed hitter with a .250-24-69-77-19 line in 2025, and he's got an NFBC ADP of 68, which is right around where RotoBaller has him ranked at 64 overall.
Mar 7   
Brett Harris  • 3B  •  Athletics

Brett Harris Dealing With Oblique Strain

Athletics third baseman Brett Harris (oblique) is dealing with a left-oblique strain at camp, according to MLB.com's Martin Gallegos. It's why Harris hasn't played in a Cactus League game since last Wednesday. Although this injury won't necessarily prevent the 26-year-old from being ready on Opening Day later this month, it could hamper his chances of winning an Opening Day roster spot with the A's. If Harris were to start the 2025 regular season in the big leagues, he'd almost certainly be a reserve infielder, making him a player to avoid in most fantasy leagues. The former seventh-round selection in 2021 out of Gonzaga University made his major-league debut in Oakland last year and slashed just .146/.276/.262 with three home runs, 12 RBI and 25 strikeouts in 123 plate appearances over 36 games played.
Mar 4   
Ken Waldichuk  • SP  •  Athletics

Ken Waldichuk Starting Bullpen Progression

MLB.com's Martin Gallegos reports that Athletics left-handed reliever Ken Waldichuk (elbow) has been cleared to start a bullpen progression in camp. Waldichuk is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and an internal-brace procedure that he had in May of last year. If the 27-year-old southpaw can avoid any setbacks in his recovery from elbow reconstruction, there's a chance he could be available to rejoin the A's bullpen t the tail end of the first half of the 2025 season. The plan for the time being is to have Waldichuk stretched out as a starter, but the most likely scenario is that he'll make his debut this year as a reliever. A pitcher that already had questionable command and control could struggle in his return such a serious arm surgery, making him one to avoid in fantasy once he's back. Waldichuk has a 5.28 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, one save and a 165:81 K:BB in 175 2/3 innings in his two seasons in the majors.
Mar 4   
Brady Basso  • SP  •  Athletics

Brady Basso Shut Down With Shoulder Strain

Athletics left-hander Brady Basso (shoulder) has been shut down in camp due to a left-shoulder strain, and there's no timetable for his return at this time. Basso was most likely ticketed to start the 2025 season at Triple-A Las Vegas this year anyway, but now it looks like he'll be opening the year on the minor-league injured list due to his shoulder ailment. The 27-year-old southpaw had tossed 4 1/3 scoreless innings in Cactus League play before getting hurt. The former 16th-round pick in 2019 out of Oklahoma State University had Tommy John surgery in 2021 but was able to make his big-league debut in 2024, going 1-1 with a 4.03 ERA (3.88 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 19 strikeouts and five walks in 22 1/3 innings over seven outings (four starts) last year. Basso isn't a big strikeout guy, so for now, we'd only recommend stashing him in deeper dynasty leagues.
Mar 4   
Dylan Floro  • RP  •  Athletics

Dylan Floro Not Cleared To Face Hitters

Athletics right-handed pitcher Dylan Floro has not been cleared to face live hitters yet. The 34-year-old is expected to continue to throw bullpen and increase his workload throughout camp. Floro is behind schedule as he only joined the team on a minor-league contract last week. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression as he may be cleared to face live hitters in the coming weeks. Last season, the 34-year-old posted a 3.80 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP across 68 2/3 innings with the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks. He tallied 48 punchouts but was able to limit hard contact as he generated a stellar 4.6 percent barrel rate. Floro could compete for a high leverage role in the Athletics bullpen when healthy.
Mar 1   
Tyler Soderstrom  • 1B  •  Athletics

Tyler Soderstrom Could See Opportunities Behind The Plate

Athletics first baseman Tyler Soderstrom could still be in the mix to serve as the team's backup catcher. Soderstrom was drafted as a catcher with the 26th pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. However, the 23-year-old has begun to transition to first base. Last summer, Soderstrom made just one start behind the dish in the majors last season compared to the 59 he made at first base. However, he started 21 games behind the plate in the minor leagues compared to eight at first base. While Shea Langeliers is expected to be the team's primary backstop, Soderstrom could eventually earn the No. 2 role while still operating as their top first baseman. His defensive flexibility would allow the Athletics to have another player on their roster as he would be available to play two positions. Despite playing in only 60 MLB games last season, Soderstrom flashed high power upside as he went deep nine times and held a .429 SLG. He is worth a look as a late-round flier in deeper formats as he could gain catcher eligibility, which would boost his fantasy value.
Feb 28   
Esteury Ruiz  • CF  •  Athletics

Esteury Ruiz Starting On Saturday

Athletics outfielder Esteury Ruiz is in the starting lineup for their spring opener on Saturday afternoon. Ruiz will cover left field and bat in the six-hole. Ruiz only appeared in 29 contests for the Athletics last season as he was limited by a wrist injury. He ended the campaign on the 60-day injured list. Across his small stint, Ruiz swiped five bags and held a .200 AVG. During the 2023 season, Ruiz posted a .254/.309/.345 line with an impressive 67 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training, as he will likely be competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Ruiz will likely compete alongside prospect Colby Thomas for a corner outfield spot. If he does earn a spot, he will have value in deeper formats, given his elite speed upside.
Feb 22   
Nick Kurtz  • 1B  •  Athletics

Nick Kurtz Unlikely To Make Opening Day Roster

MLB Pipeline's Jonathan Mayo doesn't think Athletics first base prospect Nick Kurtz will break camp with the big-league team for Opening Day in late March. "It's not going to take him very long to make it to the big leagues," Mayo said. "I do not think that he has any real chance, but I think he's going to show up and he's going to hit. The power is going to show up and they'll move him pretty aggressively." Mayo also gives MLB Pipeline's No. 38 overall prospect just a 10 percent chance to make the Opening Day roster. The fourth overall pick of last year's draft out of Wake Forest University went 14-for-38 (.368) with four home runs and 13 RBI in just 12 games with Single-A Stockton and Double-A Midland last year. The 21-year-old left-handed slugger also looked good in the Arizona Fall League and should be on the fast track to Sacramento sooner than later.
Feb 22   
Dylan Floro  • RP  •  Athletics

Dylan Floro Joins A's

MLB.com's Martin Gallegos reports that free-agent right-hander Dylan Floro has agreed to an undisclosed deal with the Athletics and is in their clubhouse at spring training on Thursday. Floro will now compete for an Opening Day bullpen spot in Sacramento for the A's after pitching for the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024. In 66 combined relief appearances for the two teams last year, he went 6-4 with a 3.80 ERA (3.50 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 48 strikeouts and 17 walks in 68 2/3 innings pitched. Floro was noticeably better with the Nats before being traded, sporting a 2.06 ERA in 51 outings out of the bullpen. He had a brutal 9.37 ERA in 16 1/3 innings over 15 appearances in the desert later in the year. At best, Floro will probably serve as a middle reliever for the A's in 2025, making him one to avoid in all fantasy formats.
Feb 20   
Lawrence Butler  • RF  •  Athletics

A's Talking Extension With Lawrence Butler

Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler is engaged in talks with the team about a long-term contract extension after his breakout performance in 2024, according to people briefed on the discussions who weren't authorized to speak publicly. The 24-year-old power and speed threat hit .262/.317/.490 with an .807 OPS, 22 home runs, 57 RBI, 18 stolen bases and 63 runs scored in 125 games in his first full season in the big leagues. He hit .219 with 20 home runs in 84 games in the second half after being called up from the minors in June. The Athletic's Evan Drellich thinks the five-year, $25 million extension that outfielder Myles Straw got from his former team, the Guardians, represents a low-end comparison for Butler's potential deal. Butler's ceiling for an extension could be the eight-year, $100 million deal Atlanta gave Ronald Acuna Jr. A seven-year, $55 million deal could be a nice starting point.
Feb 20   
Jeffrey Springs  • SP  •  Athletics

Jeffrey Springs Not Facing Any Restrictions In 2025

Athletics left-hander Jeffrey Springs (elbow) isn't expected to have any workload restrictions almost two years removed from Tommy John surgery in 2023, according to manager Mark Kotsay. The 32-year-old southpaw is feeling like himself again and is excited for his opportunity with his new team in 2025. "Physically, I feel good. I can pick it up. I can let it eat. I can do everything and there's no second-guessing. There's no pain or anything I had to deal with for the last two years," Springs said. Kotsay expects Springs to make 30-plus starts in his first season with the A's after returning late in the year for the Rays in 2024 to post a 3.27 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and 11 walks in seven starts. He was developing as a front-line starter with Tampa before his elbow injury, but he's also on the wrong side of 30 and has exceeded 50 innings in the big leagues just once.
Feb 18   
LEGEND
✕