A's Closer Role Remains Uncertain Heading Into 2026 Season

A's bullpen has several options but no clear closer after trading Mason Miller last year

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Oakland A's are heading into the 2026 season without a clear closer after trading away Mason Miller, one of the league's best closers, to the San Diego Padres last July. The A's bullpen has several experienced options like Scott Barlow and Mark Leiter Jr., but manager Mark Kotsay may once again use a closer-by-committee approach to start the season. The A's could also give the closer role to a younger arm like Jack Perkins or Luis Medina once he returns from injury rehab.

Why it matters

The A's closer role is an important question mark heading into the new season, as having a reliable ninth-inning option is crucial for a team's success. How the A's handle this situation could impact their ability to protect late-inning leads and make a push for the playoffs.

The details

After trading away Mason Miller, the A's bullpen is left without a proven closer. Veteran free agent signings Scott Barlow and Mark Leiter Jr. have closing experience, but both have shown command issues at times. Manager Mark Kotsay may use a closer-by-committee approach early on, deploying different relievers based on matchups. The A's could also give the closer role to a younger arm like Jack Perkins or Luis Medina once he returns from Tommy John surgery rehab.

  • The A's traded Mason Miller to the San Diego Padres last July.
  • The A's signed free agent relievers Scott Barlow and Mark Leiter Jr. this offseason.

The players

Mason Miller

A former A's closer who was traded to the San Diego Padres last July.

Scott Barlow

A veteran free agent reliever signed by the A's this offseason, who has closing experience but has struggled with command at times.

Mark Leiter Jr.

Another veteran free agent reliever signed by the A's this offseason, who has also had success as a closer in the past.

Jack Perkins

A young A's pitcher who could be considered for the closer role to increase his effectiveness and manage his workload.

Luis Medina

An A's pitcher who is currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and could be an option for the closer role once healthy.

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What they’re saying

“After trading away Mason Miller, one of the best closers in the league, many people expected the A's bullpen to struggle the rest of the season. However, the group of Tyler Ferguson, Justin Sterner, Hogan Harris, Elvis Alvarado, Michael Kelly and Sean Newcomb combined to pitch well in a closer by committee style helping the A's post a 34-24 record over the season's final stretch.”

— Ben-Wiley, Author (athleticsnation.com)

What’s next

The A's will likely determine their closer situation during spring training, with the possibility of using a closer-by-committee approach to start the season before settling on a primary option.

The takeaway

The A's closer role is a key question mark heading into 2026, as they look to replace the production of traded reliever Mason Miller. Their ability to find a reliable ninth-inning option, whether from their current roster or through free agency, will be crucial to the team's success this season.