Philadelphia Athletics 2026 season preview

3.18.26

The word "rebuilding" has been erased now from the vocabulary used at the offices of the Philadelphia Athletics down at the Navy Yard. Instead, the organization has embraced the old sports phrase "One For the Thumb" as they look forward to the 2026 campaign.

A year ago the A's re-emerged as a WFBL power, capturing their 14th Owens/East Division pennant. Now entering his fourth season as manager, Mark DeRosa has been amazed at the speed of the recover.

"Man, it seemed like we went from the bottom to the top in no time. I really believed we were on the right track when I took this job. But really thought it was going to take three or four years before we started making some noise. You really have to give credit to this organization for the job they've done."

It was fast, as the Athletics went from worst-to-first literally overnight. After finishing at the very bottom of the WFBL standings in both 2023 and 2024 following the rebuilding plan implementation that began in 2022, it all flipped last year.

"You can't understate the importance of bringing Trea back at midseason in 2024," said GM Matt Veasey. "His return sparked our strong second half that year. That, and a handful of our top young players breaking into the Majors and having immediate impact really pushed us to accelerate."

The A's now head into the 2026 season as defending division champions. They return a lineup that remains intact from the disappointing early postseason exit, one that looks to again be one of the deeper, more dynamic in the league.

A veteran infield of first baseman Bryce Harper, second baseman Ketel Marte, shortstop Turner, and Alex Bregman at third provides experience, stability, and a long record of production. Cal Raleigh returns behind the dish hoping to repeat even just a semblance of his incredible 2025 output.

It's in the outfield where the A's young dynamos roam the South Philly grass. 24-year-old Wyatt Langford in left, 22-year-old Jackson Chourio in center, and 23-year-old James Wood in right represent both an exciting future and dynamic present for the club.

"Those guys are really fun to watch, man," said team captain Harper. "Just keep them healthy and watch what they can do. It's gonna be a real show."

That idea of remaining healthy is at the top of the list for pitching coach Mark Prior and his staff. The A's added depth and talent to the rotation in the off-season that, with health, could make the group among the best in team history.

"Everybody looks good to this point. We're just trying to build them up at a good pace, listen to any issues, and work with them as individuals to max their abilities," said Prior.

That rotation includes newcomers Tarik Skubal, Chris Sale, and Zack Wheeler, the latter of whom will begin the year on the IL but is expected to be activated early on. Also joining the rotation is Aaron Nola, returning to the club where he was a prior top starter from 2020-22. "Great to be back," said Nola. "This has a chance to be a special group, and the fans here are great. Can't wait to get going."

Rounding out that rotation are returnees Paul Skenes, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, George Kirby, and Jacob deGrom. And both Andrew Painter and Roki Sasaki are healthy as well. While expected to begin the year at Triple-A Myrtle Beach, each could play a role later in the year.

The bullpen is also loaded with talent in the quartet of Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, Abner Uribe, and newly added Edwin Diaz who was with the club previously from 2017-22. A key member of the last two A's championship teams in 2018 and 2021, Diaz is fourth on the Athletics all-time Saves list.

"We still have youngsters coming from the Minors," said Veasey. "Some like Roki and Andrew might be able to help us this season later in the year. Marcelo Mayer, Walker Jenkins, Aidan Miller and a few of our pitching prospects could force their way up over the course of the summer."

The Philadelphia Athletics are back. Fans continued to flock to Philadelphia Park at the Navy Yard in growing numbers last year and the ballpark is already sold out for the coming season. As the season sets to get underway there are sure to be unseen challenges ahead. But armed with a top roster and active management team, "One For the Thumb" is a realistic rallying cry with which the club moves onward.

UPDATE: Just prior to the season opener vs Brantford the A's acquired superstar right fielder Aaron Judge in a trade for James Wood and four prospects. Judge will step into the RF role previously occupied by Wood.