Dallas Braden: Athletics showing signs of life early in 2026 season

The Athletics are beginning to generate real momentum early in the season, and former pitcher and NBC Sports California analyst Dallas Braden made it clear—this isn’t a fluke.

Braden joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to share his thoughts on the A’s impressive East Coast road trip that included series wins over the New York Yankees and New York Mets.

“I’m not sure anybody had a tougher start to the season when you look at the first two weeks or so,” Braden said. “And for the Athletics to come off the road with a winning record. That’s about as bright a positive spot as we could be looking at right now.”

A major reason for that success has been the bullpen, which Braden didn’t hesitate to praise.

How SWEEP it feels 😌 pic.twitter.com/qYr8VPmr2M

— Athletics on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) April 12, 2026

“The bullpen was able to string together on the backs of some great starting pitching performances as well,” he said. “It was a complete and total team effort on the road trip.”

Facing high-payroll teams like the Yankees and Mets, the Athletics leaned on their pitching depth and timely defense—even as the offense continues to find its rhythm.

That’s what makes this stretch even more promising.

“You have not seen this offense win games in the way that they’re typically going to win baseball games,” Braden explained. “And the idea that they’re not even quite hitting their stride yet, that’s the fun part about it.”

Braden also pushed back on the notion that last season’s 76-86 record is an accurate reflection of this team’s potential, pointing to a brutal stretch that derailed momentum.

“I think that is more than a fair assessment,” he said. “Understanding that that was just not who this team is.”

Instead, the Athletics are showing a more complete identity—one built on situational hitting, improved defense, and contributions up and down the roster.

“Different guys in the lineup [are] stepping up at different times,” Braden said. “We just played baseball the way we know we’re capable of playing.”

Sodey’s second homer of the game is a 420-foot 3-run BOMB 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PLpulZ5etb

— Athletics on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) April 11, 2026

Beyond the field, the Athletics have also found unity amid uncertainty about the franchise’s future, which is currently in its second season in Sacramento ahead of an eventual move to Las Vegas in 2028. According to Braden, adversity may actually be helping.

“If there’s going to be outside noise, the best thing that they can do is put the earplugs in, put the horse blinders on, tighten ranks and go to work,” he said.

And perhaps most importantly, the foundation appears strong for the long term.

“I think you’d be hard pressed to find one,” Braden said when asked if any team has more young talent than the Athletics. “I really like what we have going on from a core standpoint.”

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More MLB content from Sactown Sports

• A’s star Brent Rooker on embracing Year 2 in Sacramento
• West Sacramento Mayor: Region Pushing for MLB Expansion
• Is Sacramento a legitimate possibility for MLB Expansion?

Upcoming Athletics 2026 Schedule

• Monday, April 13th – Thursday, April 16th vs. Texas Rangers
• Friday, April 17th – Sunday, April 19th vs. Chicago White Sox
• Monday, April 20th – Wednesday, April 22nd @ Seattle Mariners
• Friday, April 24th – Sunday, April 26th @ Texas Rangers
• Tuesday, April 28th – Thursday, April 30th vs. Kansas City Royals

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