Athletics enter September with a rebuild backbone and a final-month push aimed at sharpening the rotation slate for 2026. After a brutal 7-21 May, they showed resilience with wins in April, July, and August, helped by rookie debuts that provided real answers about who might contribute next season. The final 24 games will test depth and could elevate a few arms into the rotation, shaping next spring’s plan in Oakland.
The rotation remains unsettled after using 13 different starters this year; only one Opening Day starter remains. Morales, Barnett, Ginn, Estes, and Wilson have earned big-league exposure, with Waldichuk, Medina, and others in the wings. Severino, Springs, and Lopez figure into the mix or could be traded, depending on offseason moves. Offensively, Langeliers looms as a potential history-maker, while Butler, Rooker, and Kurtz chase big milestones as the club eyes progress in a still-young lineup.
Langeliers could tie or surpass the A’s catcher HR mark if he finishes strong, Butler eyes a 20-20 pace, and Kurtz and Rooker hover around 30 HR territory. Wilson sits near a franchise rookie batting-record surge, while the final stretch offers a glimpse at who might anchor 2026’s lineup. The A’s will be evaluated on how much growth translates to meaningful wins next season.
