Where does Leo De Vries fit within the A’s defense?

Could Leo De Vries be an option for the A’s in 2026?

The Athletics, who have been using Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento as their home in recent years, are currently competing for the top spot in the American League West.

As of Wednesday, their 13-12 record has them second in the division, only trailing the 12-11 Texas Rangers. This weekend will feature a matchup between the Athletics and Rangers, essentially a battle for the top of the AL West.

Martin Gallegos, Athletics’ beat writer for MLB.com, joined The Matt & Kayla Show to discuss their hot start, Shea Langeliers hot start, top prospect Leo De Vries, and plenty more.

Gallegos highlighted how their improved defense this season has helped their pitching. “The thing that stands out is they’re more fundamentally sound defensively,” he said. “They’re not making, you know, silly mistakes, like maybe they were in the past.”

The club’s stay in Sacramento is temporary, but which players will still be on the roster by the time they move to Las Vegas? Shortstop Jacob Wilson earned a seven-year, $70 million extension during the offseason, but where does that leave top prospect De Vries, who plays the same position?

“I think that the fact that they have so many shortstops in the org, they look at it as a good thing,” Gallegos said. “Because when you’re a shortstop, a good defensive shortstop, you kind of play anywhere.”

“You look at the Padres as a team,” he continued.

“They have like, four or five short stops. They got Cronenworth, Tatis, Machado, and Merrill. All those guys came up as short stops naturally, and they ended up, you know, figuring out where to put them positionally. So I don’t know whether it’s Wilson moving them somewhere else or De Vries moving somewhere else. I’ve heard Leo De Vries potentially could play outfield as well. I think they’ll find a spot for him. No question.”

He called it a good problem to have, with their return for elite closer Mason Miller looking promising in the minor leagues. Expecting him to move up to AAA ball with the Las Vegas Aviators, that will be the next step in Leo De Vries making his case for the MLB roster.

Will Leo De Vries make his first regular-season appearance with the Athletics in Sacramento, or will it not come until the team has made its move to Las Vegas?

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

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

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 20th – Wednesday, April 22nd @ Seattle Mariners
• Friday, April 24th – Sunday, April 26th @ Texas Rangers
• Tuesday, April 28th – Thursday, April 30th vs. Kansas City Royals
• Friday, May 1st – Sunday, May 3rd vs. Cleveland Guardians
• Tuesday, May 5th – Thursday, May 7th @ Philadelphia Phillies

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Brenden Nunes Sactown Sports writer