2026 MLB Athletics Predictions with Odds to Win World Series and Futures Picks
Last season was not kind to the Athletics. Not only did they have to endure a season at a minor league complex, but they also finished 10 games under .500. Their 76-86 record was good enough for a fourth-place finish in the AL West, ahead of the Los Angeles Angels. The ball was flying at their home park, but they did not have the offensive prowess to endure high-scoring games. The Athletics posted a mere 36-45 home record last season.
Two years ago, it was Brent Rooker who made all the noise. This past season, the Athletics had some more talent impact the team. Nick Kurtz burst onto the scene, posting a team best 5.4 WAR in just 117 games. He led the team with 36 homeruns while posting a 1.002 OPS. Shea Langeliers and Rooker joined Kurtz as the other Athletics players to reach the 30-homerun mark. Langeliers clubbed 31 homeruns while adding 72 RBIs, and 133 hits in 123 games. Rooker hit 30 homeruns, and he finished second on the team with 89 RBIs and finished with a team best 92 runs. Tyler Sodertstrom led the team with 93 RBIs and finished behind Kurtz with a 4.4 WAR. Lawrence Butler was another name that contributed offensively for the Athletics, as he joined the 20/20 club with 21 homeruns and a team best 22 stolen bases.
The pitching was not good. They ranked 27th in the MLB with a 4.70 ERA and 25th with a 1.36 WHIP. Their 570 walks were the third highest mark in the league. Jeffrey Springs was the team leader in WAR (1.9) after posting a team best 171 innings pitched, with a 4.11 ERA, and leading the team with 138 strikeouts. Luis Severion and JP Sears joined Springs as the only other pitchers to reach the 100+ innings mark. Despite only appearing in 51.1 innings, Sean Newcomb was perhaps the most lethal threat for the Athletics. He finished with a team best 1.75 ERA, while posting a 1.7 WAR, and an 8.8 K/9 ratio. Before he was traded to San Diego, the once elite Mason Miller, posted a 3.76 ERA in 38.1 innings pitched. He did lead the team with 20 saves.
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Key Additions/Losses
At the end of the season, the Athletics saw pitchers Newcomb, Jose Leclerc, Scott McGough, Ben Bowden, and Michel Otanez hit the free agent market. They traded pitcher Mitch Spence to the Royals, utility man Max Schuemann to the Yankees, and 18-year-old prospect Yordan Rodriguez in a trade with the Mets. The team also non-tendered outfielder JJ Bleday who posted a -0.2 WAR for the Athletics last season.
The franchise is waiting for their prospects to continue to improve and form a solid core to build around. However, they did make some noteworthy moves. They signed Joey Meneses, traded for Jeff McNeil, and claimed Andy Ibanez off waivers from the Dodgers. They also signed, claimed, or traded for 12 pitchers, with the list of newcomers headlined by Aaron Civale, Nick Anderson, Mark Leiter Jr. and Scott Barlow.
Prospect Outlook
The Athletics have the 18th ranked farm system in the MLB right now as they have graduated a lot of their top talent. However, they still have three players listed inside the Top 100. Leo De Vries comes in as the fourth best prospect. The 19-year-old shortstop is being blocked by Jacob Wilson, but he could end up moving to second base or becoming a nice trade chip to bring in another young player. Pitcher Jamie Arnold is ranked 41st in the MLB Top 100 rankings, and he features a top-of-the-line slider, with a mid-90s fastball. Arnold is followed by fellow pitcher Gage Jump who comes in at 57th on the list with a good ability to miss bats.
X-Factors
Nick Kurtz- The question here is whether or not the Athletics found a new franchise cornerstone, or if his magical rookie season was just beginner’s luck. Despite playing approximately 40 games less than the nine players ahead of him, Kurtz found his way into the Top 10 in the league in homeruns last season. A full season in the big leagues should have him flirting with the 40-homerun mark, and a 100+ RBI season. If he can repeat his success at the plate, Kurtz is a guy that can end up in the MVP conversation. If he can’t repeat his success, the Athletics will once again be right where they started last season. Kurtz elevates the current core tremendously and can give the Athletics enough firepower at the plate to be considered a wild card threat.
Expectations
With the emergence of Kurtz, and the core of Rooker, Butler, Wilson, and Langeliers, the Athletics have a solid lineup. Their pitching staff is highly questionable heading into the season, but there are plenty of young talent that they can flip to add pitching if they are in the mix. Expectations around the league should remain steady with last year, as they are still a few years away from being considered a real playoff threat, however, expect them to be in the mix for the beginning months of the season. A real hot start could have the front office buying instead of selling. They won’t rush the narrative, but they are getting closer.
Notable Odds:
Win Total: 75.5
World Series Champions- +1400
Pennant Winners- +600
Division Winners- +240
AL MVP- Nick Kurtz +1500
AL MVP- Jacob Wilson +12500
AL MVP- Tyler Soderstrom +15000
AL Rookie of the Year- Leo De Vries +8000
2026 MLB Athletics Predictions
Taking a look at the win count, I really like the over here. The lineup is league average at worst, and a Top 10 Unit at best. I think the Athletics will be pushing .500 this season, if we assume their young guys continue to improve. Leo De Vries is an enticing prospect to watch, but he is blocked by a crowded middle infield, and he won’t have the chance to win the AL Rookie of the Year, so avoid him at +8000, despite him being a Top Five prospect. Aside from the win total, there is not a lot to like about the Athletics this season. Take the over 75.5 wins but expect them to still miss out on the playoffs.
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