David Forst Athletics 2025 Winter Meetings
Athletics Quiet at Winter Meetings, focus Shifts to Contract Extensions & Targeted Additions
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Oakland Athletics had a relatively subdued 2025 Winter Meetings, focusing less on immediate roster moves and more on laying groundwork for future deals and securing their burgeoning young core. While they lost prospect Daniel Susac in the Rule 5 Draft, General Manager David Forst engaged in discussions regarding potential trades and, crucially, long-term contract extensions for key players. The A’s are prioritizing upgrades at starting pitcher,relief pitcher,and potentially second/third base,but are unlikely to pursue top-tier free agents.
The A’s didn’t make any notable additions to the Major League roster during the meetings. The most notable event was the selection of catcher Daniel Susac in the Rule 5 Draft, meaning he will need to be on the active roster of the acquiring team (unnamed in the source) for the entirety of the 2026 season or be offered back to the A’s. However, Forst actively engaged with agents representing players already on the roster, specifically mentioning ongoing talks with representatives for American League Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson, Shea Langeliers, and Tyler Soderstrom.
“Those conversations are ongoing,” Forst stated. “Without naming anyone in particular,we’ve made some offers. We’re having conversations while we’re here with representatives. I’m hopeful that we’ll make some progress.”
The A’s are clearly prioritizing retaining their young talent, a smart move given their potential and the team’s ongoing relocation situation.
Key Areas of Focus for the A’s
Forst outlined three primary areas where the A’s are looking to improve the roster:
1. Starting Pitching: The A’s have a promising group of young arms, but lack experienced depth. They are targeting mid-rotation starters, not aces.
2. relief Pitching: Finding a reliable closer remains a priority after trading Mason Miller mid-season. They are exploring options with closing experience.
3. Third Base/Second Base: While the offense is projected to be strong, these positions lack established starters and could benefit from veteran additions.
| Position | Current Status | Target Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Pitching | Young, inexperienced rotation. Luis Severino and jeffrey Springs provide some stability. | Mid-rotation starter via free agency or trade. |
| Relief Pitching | Closer-by-committee approach. lacks proven high-leverage arms. | Reliever with closing experience or a proven track record. |
| Third Base/Second Base | Internal competition among Darell Hernaiz, Zack Gelof, Max Muncy, and Brett Harris. | Experienced veteran to provide stability and offense. |
The A’s are unlikely to be major players for the top free agents, given their financial constraints and focus on developing internal talent. Instead, they are likely to pursue value options who can contribute to a competitive team. The focus on contract extensions also suggests a long-term vision, despite the uncertainty surrounding the team’s future stadium situation.
The A’s approach at the Winter Meetings is a pragmatic one. Given their circumstances – a pending relocation, a young roster, and limited financial flexibility – they’re wisely prioritizing internal progress and targeted additions. Locking up players like Kurtz, wilson, Langeliers, and Soderstrom is crucial for establishing a competitive foundation. The focus on mid-tier pitching options is realistic; they don’t need to spend big to improve in that area. The lack of splashy moves shouldn’t be interpreted as a lack of ambition, but rather a reflection of a carefully considered strategy. The success of this approach will hinge on the development of their young players and Forst’s ability to identify undervalued talent.
- davidthompson
The A’s are clearly building for the future, and the Winter Meetings provided a glimpse into their plan. While fans may have hoped for more immediate additions, the focus on