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MLB Analyst Puts Pressure on Two A's Pitchers to Improve in 2026
The Athletics need Jacob Lopez and Luis Morales to take a step forward on the mound this season.
Mar. 3, 2026 at 9:20pm
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The Oakland Athletics are hoping for an improved pitching staff in 2026 after finishing near the bottom of the league in team ERA last season. MLB analyst Joel Reuter has singled out young pitchers Jacob Lopez and Luis Morales as needing to step up and solidify the back end of the A's rotation, which also includes veteran Aaron Civale. With the offense expected to be productive again, the success of the team will hinge on whether Lopez and Morales can provide more consistency on the mound.
Why it matters
The Athletics' pitching staff was a major weakness in 2025, and the team did not make any major additions to the rotation over the offseason. If Lopez and Morales fail to improve, the A's could struggle to field a competitive pitching staff and may not be able to capitalize on their strong offensive production.
The details
After trading away reliever Mason Miller, the A's bullpen struggled last season. The starting rotation was also inconsistent, with Luis Severino performing much better at home than on the road. With no big-name additions to the rotation, the A's will need young pitchers Jacob Lopez and Luis Morales to take a step forward and solidify the back end of the starting staff alongside veteran Aaron Civale.
- The 2026 MLB season begins in April.
The players
Jacob Lopez
A young starting pitcher for the Oakland Athletics who is being counted on to improve his performance in 2026.
Luis Morales
Another young starting pitcher for the Oakland Athletics who needs to take a step forward this season.
Luis Severino
The Athletics' top starting pitcher who struggled with inconsistency at home in 2025.
Aaron Civale
A veteran starting pitcher signed by the Athletics in the offseason to provide stability in the rotation.
Joel Reuter
An MLB analyst who has highlighted the need for Lopez and Morales to improve in 2026.
What they’re saying
“With no needle-moving addition to the starting rotation this offseason, it will fall on Luis Morales and Jacob Lopez to take a step forward if the Athletics are going to field a serviceable rotation. Veteran Aaron Civale should soak up some innings at a league-average rate after signing a one-year, $6 million deal, but he's more floor than ceiling.”
— Joel Reuter, MLB Analyst
What’s next
The Athletics will be closely monitoring the progress of Lopez and Morales throughout spring training as they look to solidify their starting rotation for the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The success of the Oakland Athletics in 2026 will hinge on whether young pitchers Jacob Lopez and Luis Morales can take a step forward and provide more consistency to the back end of the team's starting rotation. With the offense expected to be productive, the A's need their pitching staff to improve in order to compete in the AL West.
