A's Optimistic After Improved 2025 Season

Team's turnaround signals potential shift as they prepare for move to Las Vegas

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Oakland Athletics' remarkable turnaround in the latter half of the 2025 season, going 53-46 after a devastating early slump, signals a potential shift in fortunes for the franchise as they prepare for their move to Las Vegas in 2028. The team has secured long-term contracts for key players and is actively integrating itself into the Las Vegas community, building excitement for their arrival.

Why it matters

The A's resurgence after a brutal 1-20 stretch early in the 2025 season demonstrates the team's ability to learn from past struggles and build momentum. Their strategy of securing young talent with long-term deals suggests a shift from their traditionally frugal approach, as they aim to field a competitive team for their debut in Las Vegas.

The details

The A's turnaround was highlighted by a 14-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins on June 5, 2025, which broke their losing streak. Players like Jacob Wilson believe the team learned valuable lessons from the early-season slump on how to recover quickly. The A's have signed several young players to long-term contracts, including Jacob Wilson, Tyler Soderstrom, Brent Rooker, and Lawrence Butler, demonstrating a commitment to building a competitive team for their move to Las Vegas in 2028. Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz is expected to be the next player to receive a long-term deal, though he remains focused on helping the team win.

  • The A's experienced a brutal 1-20 stretch early in the 2025 season.
  • On June 5, 2025, the A's defeated the Minnesota Twins 14-3, breaking their losing streak.

The players

Jacob Wilson

A player who believes the team learned valuable lessons from their early-season slump on how to recover quickly.

Nick Kurtz

The 2025 AL Rookie of the Year, who is expected to be the next player to receive a long-term contract from the A's.

Mark Kotsay

The A's manager, who acknowledges the importance of a team effort rather than placing undue pressure on the pitching staff.

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What they’re saying

“I think a lot of guys learned from that on how to secure out of that as a team. I think we're going to go into this year kind of knowing how to get out of it early rather than let it drag on for a couple of weeks.”

— Jacob Wilson

“I leave that to my agents. I'm focused on what's going on today and how I can help the team win some ballgames.”

— Nick Kurtz

“We've got to continue to maintain that type of performance for six months. That's been our struggle over the last few seasons, has been (the ability) to maintain consistency.”

— Mark Kotsay, Manager

What’s next

The A's are actively integrating themselves into the Las Vegas community, visiting the construction site of their future ballpark and attending local events like a Vegas Golden Knights NHL game and UFC 326. This proactive approach aims to build excitement and establish a strong fan base before their arrival in 2028.

The takeaway

The A's turnaround in 2025 and their strategic moves to secure young talent and build a presence in Las Vegas suggest a team poised for a resurgence. Their ability to learn from past struggles and maintain consistency will be crucial as they aim for playoff contention and a successful transition to their new home in Las Vegas.