MLB writer on the emerging offensive core for the Oakland Athletics

Aug 7, 2024, 8:49 AM

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JULY 2: Brent Rooker #25 of the Oakland Athletics reacts after hitting a home...

(Photo by Brandon Vallance/Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

The Oakland Athletics currently rank fourth among MLB leaders in home runs. Will the majority of this lineup remain intact until they arrive in Sacramento next season?

MLB.com’s Athletics beat reporter Martín Gallegos joined Allen Stiles this week to explain why he feels this offensive core is here to stay, highlight areas of need that the A’s will need to address this winter, and much more.

Plus: Is Jacob Wilson the franchise shortstop of the future?

Topics Discussed

Did the Athletics seem to be implying that this trade deadline would be different from previous years?
Oakland GM David Forst was vocal that this deadline was about having an opportunistic approach
“I think they were pretty strategic in how they sold guys.”
Slugging DH Brent Rooker is viewed as a piece of this team’s future core
Will the A’s look to add this offseason in an effort to compete next year in Sacramento?
Martin says that starting pitching will be a priority this winter
Do the Athletics feel they have their shortstop of the future in Jacob Wilson?

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More on the Oakland Athletics relocation to Sacramento

The Oakland Athletics will relocate to Sacramento beginning next season, but hurdles remain in ensuring their home ballpark meets MLB standards by Opening Day 2025.

According to Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, Sutter Health Park will receive major-league upgrades–including an entirely new playing surface–before next season begins.

The West Sacramento ballpark is home of the San Francisco Giants’ AAA affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats, and both the Athletics and River Cats will share the diamond for at least the next three seasons as the city of Las Vegas begins construction on a stadium.

The target date for completing the Las Vegas ballpark is 2028, but many around the league are skeptical that will come to fruition. This means that MLB and Sacramento will need to upgrade Sutter Health Park for the long haul in case the A’s remain in Northern California past the 2027 season.

“They are actually constructing a separate building adjacent to the stadium that will be the home clubhouse,” Manfred said in late May at the conclusion of MLB’s spring owner meetings, per The Athletic‘s Evan Drellich.

“They’re renovating the visiting clubhouse. There’s going to be new artificial turf installed. They are upgrading the camera capability, so they get major-league quality broadcasts out of Sacramento,” Manfred continued. “There are some revenue-associated renovations: some club seating and video boards that are being done in the stadium.

“So, there’s a lot going on there to get it up to snuff for the interim period. They’ve had great receptivity. I think they have seat deposits from, like, 13,000 people or something. They’re doing okay.”

Sutter Health Park and the River Cats are owned by Vivek Ranadive, owner of the Sacramento Kings.

“I’m thrilled to welcome the A’s to Sutter Health Park, where players and fans alike can enjoy a world-class baseball experience and create unforgettable memories,” Ranadive said. “Today marks the next chapter of professional sports in Sacramento. The passion of our fans is second to none, and this is an incredible opportunity to showcase one of the most dynamic and vibrant markets in the country.”

Major League Baseball approved the Athletics’ proposal for relocation to Las Vegas in November.

Plans are in place for a $1.5 billion, nine-acre stadium at the site of the Tropicana Hotel with the City of Las Vegas granting $380 million in public funding for construction in 2023. However, the ballpark will not open until at least the end of the 2027 calendar year, meaning the first season it could host the A’s in the regular season would be 2028.

Sutter Health Park opened in 2000 and has 10,624 seats, but could be modified to accommodate up to 14,000.