Athletics Aim to Avoid Repeat of Disastrous Stretch in 2023 Season

After a surprisingly strong start, the Athletics collapsed in the middle of the season but are looking to build on their young talent in 2024.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:35pm

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The Oakland Athletics, who are planning a move to Las Vegas, are looking to build on their young roster and avoid the disastrous 24-game stretch that derailed their 2023 season. Despite a promising start, the A's collapsed in the middle of the year, going just 3-24 over a 27-game span. However, with the additions of Jeff McNeil, Andy Ibanez, Aaron Civale, and Mark Leiter, the team is hoping to shore up their roster and take a step forward, even if a playoff berth is not the immediate goal.

Why it matters

The Athletics' move to Las Vegas has been a major storyline, and any success they can find in the meantime will be seen as a positive as they build towards their new home. The team's ability to avoid another prolonged slump like the one that plagued them in 2023 will be crucial to their development.

The details

The Athletics got off to a strong 20-16 start last season, even beating the Dodgers, but then went into a tailspin, losing 24 of 27 games from May 6th to June 5th. This 3-24 stretch over 27 games ultimately doomed their season, as they finished 76-86 and missed the playoffs. In the offseason, the A's made some key additions, bringing in Jeff McNeil, Andy Ibanez, Aaron Civale, and Mark Leiter to bolster their roster.

  • On May 5th, 2023, the Athletics were 20-16 after beating the Seattle Mariners.
  • On May 13th, 2023, the Athletics were 22-20 after beating the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  • From May 6th to June 5th, 2023, the Athletics went 3-24 over a 27-game stretch.
  • On June 4th, 2023, the Athletics were 23-40 after losing 6-1 to the Minnesota Twins.

The players

Nick Kurtz

The headliner of the Athletics' roster, Kurtz hit .290 with 36 home runs in his rookie season and will look to build on that performance.

Jeff McNeil

A key offseason addition, McNeil was brought in to help shore up the Athletics' infield.

Aaron Civale

One of the Athletics' pitching additions in the offseason, Civale will look to provide reliability at the top of the rotation.

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What they’re saying

“Even if they don't take a huge step forward, the younger guys should still improve. I like the rotation a bit more this year than last year's team. I also think this is a club with some momentum, finally.”

— David Troy, Outkick Contributor

What’s next

The Athletics will be closely watched as they continue to build towards their move to Las Vegas, and their ability to avoid another prolonged slump like the one that plagued them in 2023 will be a key factor in their development.

The takeaway

The Athletics' 2024 season will be an important step in their transition to Las Vegas, and the team's ability to build on their young talent and avoid the kind of disastrous stretch that derailed their 2023 campaign will be crucial to their progress.