A's Rotation Battle Heats Up as Roster Spots Remain Open

Several young pitchers vie for final two spots in Oakland's starting rotation

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The recent addition of Aaron Civale has solidified the top three spots in the Oakland A's starting rotation, but the final two spots remain up for grabs as several young pitchers compete for the opportunities. Lefty Jacob Lopez and righty Luis Morales are seen as frontrunners, but the A's could also turn to other prospects like Mason Barnett, Jack Perkins, JT Ginn, or Gunnar Hoglund to fill out the rotation.

Why it matters

The A's rotation battle will be a key storyline to watch as the team looks to build on a promising 2025 season. Determining the right mix of veteran leadership and young talent in the starting five will be crucial to the team's success in the upcoming year.

The details

While Severino, Springs, and Civale appear locked into the top three rotation spots, the final two spots are still up for competition. Lefty Jacob Lopez was one of the A's best pitchers in 2025 before a forearm injury ended his rookie season prematurely, and the team will have to decide if he's fully healthy and ready for a bigger role. Righty Luis Morales, a top prospect, impressed in his first MLB action last year but is coming off a career-high 89 innings, so the A's would need to carefully manage his workload. Other young arms like Mason Barnett, Jack Perkins, JT Ginn, and Gunnar Hoglund will also get a chance to prove they deserve a spot in the rotation to open the season.

  • The A's open the 2026 season on March 28.
  • Manager Mark Kotsay is expected to name his Opening Day rotation in the final days of Spring Training.

The players

Aaron Civale

A veteran right-handed pitcher who was recently acquired by the A's and is expected to be part of the team's starting rotation.

Jacob Lopez

A left-handed pitcher who was one of the A's best starters in 2025 before a forearm injury ended his rookie season prematurely.

Luis Morales

A top pitching prospect in the A's system who impressed in his first MLB action last year but is coming off a career-high in innings pitched.

Mark Kotsay

The manager of the Oakland A's who will be responsible for determining the final composition of the team's starting rotation.

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What they’re saying

“Even if you don't feel that Civale is an upgrade over anyone in-house already, manager Mark Kotsay made it clear yesterday that the top three will be Severino, Springs, and Civale to open the season.”

— Connor Ashford, Writer (Athletics Nation)

What’s next

Manager Mark Kotsay is expected to announce the A's Opening Day rotation in the final days of Spring Training, providing clarity on which young pitchers will earn the final two spots.

The takeaway

The battle for the final two spots in the A's starting rotation is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing storylines of Spring Training, as the team looks to blend veteran leadership with promising young talent in their quest to build on a successful 2025 campaign.