MLB Analyst Sees Athletics' Offense Reaching Elite Levels

A's lineup loaded with young sluggers poised for big seasons, says MLB.com's Jared Greenspan.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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According to MLB.com analyst Jared Greenspan, the Oakland Athletics have assembled an "elite collection of young hitters" that could make their offense one of the most potent in baseball. Led by 2025 AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz, the A's lineup also features several other young power hitters who combined to hit 219 home runs last season. Greenspan believes the A's offense has the "firepower to compete with anyone" in the league, though the team's success will ultimately hinge on the performance of their pitching staff.

Why it matters

The Athletics have struggled in recent years, but their young offensive core has fans in Oakland excited for the upcoming season. If the A's lineup can live up to the hype, it could make them a surprise contender in the AL West.

The details

The A's offense was fueled by a breakout season from first baseman Nick Kurtz, who hit .290 with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs as a rookie in 2025. He was joined in the power department by several other young sluggers, including Brent Rooker, Shea Langeliers, Tyler Soderstrom, and Jacob Wilson, who all hit at least 29 home runs. The A's as a team hit 219 home runs last season, ranking them among the top power-hitting teams in MLB.

  • In the 2025 season, Nick Kurtz won the AL Rookie of the Year Award.
  • Last season (2025), the Athletics hit 219 home runs, ranking them among the MLB leaders.

The players

Nick Kurtz

A slugging first baseman who won the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year Award after hitting .290 with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs.

Brent Rooker

A power-hitting outfielder who hit 29 home runs for the A's last season.

Shea Langeliers

A young catcher who contributed 29 home runs to the A's powerful offense in 2025.

Tyler Soderstrom

A promising young hitter who hit 29 home runs for the A's last season.

Jacob Wilson

A rookie who started the All-Star game and is expected to build on his 29-homer campaign in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“The Athletics have stockpiled an elite collection of young hitters, headlined by slugging first baseman Nick Kurtz, who put up numbers we haven't seen since Barry Bonds en route to winning the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year Award. But this isn't just about Kurtz. Last season, only six teams hit more home runs than the A's, with Brent Rooker, Shea Langelier, and Tyler Soderstrom all hitting at least 29 long balls. Add in an encore from Jacob Wilson -- who started the All-Star game as a rookie -- and a rebound from Lawrence Butler, and this team will have the offensive firepower to compete with anyone.”

— Jared Greenspan, MLB.com Analyst (MLB.com)

What’s next

If the A's pitching staff can keep opposing offenses in check, their powerful lineup could make them a surprise contender in the AL West this season.

The takeaway

The Athletics have assembled an impressive young core of power hitters, led by 2025 AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz. If this group can build on their breakout 2025 campaign, the A's could emerge as one of the most dangerous offensive teams in baseball, potentially making them a surprise contender in the AL West.