Athletics’ Revamped Lineup: Top Players & Season Forecast
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
2025 MLB Season: The Athletics – New Hope in Sacramento
The Athletics have long been the punchline of jokes, consistently underperforming in a division stacked with powerhouse teams. But as we head into the 2025 MLB season, the A’s seem to have turned a corner. With several young talents emerging, a revamped lineup, and a change in venue to Sacramento, the A’s could be primed for a more competitive season than we’ve seen in years. But the question remains: Can this team put it all together, or will they continue to struggle in the competitive AL West? Let’s break it down with a betting perspective.
The A’s Lineup: A Step Forward
One of the most exciting things for the A’s heading into the 2025 season is the revamped lineup, which looks a lot more formidable than it has in recent years. New stars have emerged, and there’s a sense that the team is ready to be competitive, even if they’re not a postseason lock.
Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler were rewarded with long-term extensions after solid performances last year, and both players will play a key role in the A’s offensive attack. Rooker especially stands out as a potential fantasy star, as he can hit for both power and average. Similarly, Butler looks like a player who could be a breakout candidate if he continues to develop.
JJ Bledey, who came over from the Miami Marlins, struggled in Oakland but has potential to become a steady contributor, and it seems he’s being handed an everyday role in 2025. Tyler Soderstrom and Zach Gelof should also be exciting to watch. Soderstrom is one of the top catchers in fantasy baseball, and Gelof could bounce back after a down year in 2024, giving the A’s more depth in the infield.
On paper, this lineup is deeper than it has been in quite a while, and with the team transitioning to Sacramento, the hitters could see some positive benefits from playing in a more hitter-friendly environment. With warm temperatures and shorter foul territory, we could see a slight uptick in power numbers and run production across the board.
Betting Angle: Over/Under 75 Wins
The A’s are not going to set the world on fire, but they could surprise some people. With the AL West being competitive, Oakland won’t be able to compete for a playoff spot, but they might just be good enough to hit 75 wins, or even approach .500 if things break right. The key issue is their depth — injuries and lack of replacements could derail their season.
Verdict: Take the Over on 75 wins if you’re looking for a bet with some upside. This isn’t a bottom-tier team anymore, and while they likely won’t make the postseason, their mix of young talent and the new environment in Sacramento could lead to a more competitive season than expected.
Fantasy Baseball: Who to Target from the A’s?
While the Athletics have a lot of work to do before they can be considered a truly dangerous team, there are still several fantasy baseball assets worth considering, particularly with the young talent emerging.
Rooker: The breakout star of 2024, Rooker showed a combination of power and on-base skills. With a more favorable home ballpark and a solid spot in the A’s lineup, Rooker should continue to be a key piece for fantasy managers. If he’s available after the top outfielders are taken, grab him quickly.
Butler: Butler has potential, especially in a more hitter-friendly environment. While he doesn’t have the same power profile as Rooker, Butler has the tools to be a solid contributor in the middle of the A’s order. He’s a great late-round flier for a fantasy outfielder.
Soderstrom: As one of the top catchers on the fantasy board, Soderstrom is a great option if you’re looking for a balanced mix of power and solid production. Catcher is often a weak position in fantasy, so getting a guy with upside like Soderstrom could prove very valuable.
Gelof: After a rough 2024, Geloff could be primed for a bounce-back season. He’s got the talent to provide decent power and steals, and if he can stay healthy and consistent, he might be worth considering as a mid-to-late-round pick.
Betting Angle: Over/Under for Rooker’s Home Runs
Rooker could hit 30 home runs in 2025, especially if he continues to hit in the middle of a lineup with potential. The over/under for Rooker’s home runs could be set around 28.5. Given the hitter-friendly environment in Sacramento, the over might be worth considering.
The A’s Pitching: Can They Hang?
On the pitching side, the A’s don’t have the same level of excitement or upside that their hitters do. However, they do have a few intriguing arms that might surprise in 2025.
Jeffrey Springs, once seen as a potential breakout star for the Tampa Bay Rays, is now with the A’s, and he could have a chance to really shine as a starter. Injuries have held him back in recent years, but if he’s healthy, he could be a solid SP3 or SP4 for fantasy purposes.
Osvaldo Beto was a solid performer in limited innings last year and is slated to be the A’s No. 4 starter to start the season. He could be a sneaky pick in deep-league formats, though he’s more of a streaming option than an everyday rotation piece.
Luis Severino, once an ace for the New York Yankees, is now with the A’s and could be a solid back-end option if he can stay healthy. His injury history makes him a risky pick, but if he’s available at the right price, Severino could provide upside.
Overall, this rotation is filled with SP3-4 caliber guys, and while there’s no one to get truly excited about, it’s a representative staff that could keep the A’s competitive if the offense is clicking.
Betting Angle: Pitching Staff Win Totals
The A’s pitching staff will likely finish with a middle-of-the-pack ERA, so betting on their total team wins could hinge on how they perform on the mound. A betting line of under 75 wins for the A’s is safer if you believe the pitching staff will struggle in a hitter-friendly ballpark, but if the rotation surprises, the over 75 could offer value.
Conclusion: 2025 – A Step in the Right Direction for the A’s
The 2025 Athletics might not be ready to compete for a postseason spot, but they’re certainly heading in the right direction. Their revamped lineup, highlighted by Rooker, Butler, and a few promising young talents, gives fans something to be excited about. The change in venue to Sacramento should also help their offensive production, and while the pitching staff is unremarkable, it’s not as bad as it has been in the past.
For betting purposes, the A’s are a team to keep an eye on — they likely won’t contend for the playoffs, but they could easily top 70 wins and make some noise. Look for the over on 75 wins as a solid bet if you’re expecting a competitive year from the Athletics.
Fantasy owners should target Rooker, Butler, and Soderstrom for value picks, while Springs could be an intriguing late-round target for your pitching staff.
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