by Bill Moriarity / A’s Farm Editor
March 18, 2025
Now that we’re just about a week away from opening day, it’s a good time to take a look at how the A’s 2025 roster seems to be shaping up. So, here’s a quick position-by-position rundown of how things appear to be stacking up for the 2025 A’s…
CATCHERS
Shea Langeliers, who appeared in 137 games last season, is set to return as the A’s starting catcher in 2025. He managed to bash 29 home runs and drive in 80 runs last season, and the hope is that the 27-year-old backstop can continue the power surge this year. Jhonny Pereda, whom the A’s acquired from the Marlins in January for cash considerations, is expected to serve as Langeliers’ backup this season. The 28-year-old Venezuelan receiver, who appeared in 20 games for Miami last year, is primarily known as a defensive specialist but has hit well this spring. In addition, last year’s backup backstop, Kyle McCann, minor league free agent signee Willie MacIver, and former 1st-round draft pick Daniel Susac should all be available at Triple-A Las Vegas if needed this season.
INFIELDERS
Former 1st-round pick Tyler Soderstrom, who appeared in 61 games for the A’s last year, is set to man first base this season, with Zack Gelof hoping to overcome last year’s sophomore slump in his third season at second base, and 2023 1st-round pick Jacob Wilson, who hit over .400 in the minors last year, taking over at shortstop. The A’s signed veteran Gio Urshela to a free agent deal in the offseason to serve as the team’s primary starter at the hot corner. The team also signed 27-year-old free agent Luis Urias primarily to serve as a backup to Urshela at third and Gelof at second. The versatile Max Schuemann, who ended up being the A’s primary shortstop last season but also made appearances at third, second and all three outfield positions, appears likely to claim the final position-player spot on the roster with his ability to fill in all over the field. Meanwhile, CJ Alexander, Darell Hernaiz, Max Muncy, Logan Davidson, Alejo Lopez, Cooper Bowman and Brett Harris (who will likely open the season on the injured list), should all be in reserve at Triple-A Las Vegas.
OUTFIELDERS
The A’s outfield picture seems to be pretty clear heading into 2025. Lawrence Butler, who recently signed a long-term extension, is set to return to duty in right field, while JJ Bleday, who smashed 67 extra-base hits last season, will be back patrolling center field for the Green & Gold. Lefty-swinging Seth Brown and righty-swinging Miguel Andujar appear set to share time in left field, while designated hitter Brent Rooker, the A’s most potent slugger, could also see some time in left after having surgery in the offseason for an arm injury that kept him off the outfield grass for most of 2024. Meanwhile, Esteury Ruiz, Denzel Clarke, Colby Thomas and minor league free agent signees Drew Avans and Carlos Cortes should all be at Triple-A Las Vegas awaiting an opportunity to break through with the big club.
STARTING PITCHERS
31-year-old righty Luis Severino and 32-year-old lefty Jeffrey Springs were added in the offseason to lead the A’s new-look rotation. Lefty JP Sears, who made 32 starts for the A’s in each of the past two seasons, and righty Osvaldo Bido, who impressed in 16 games for the team last year, are set to follow Severino and Springs in the rotation. Righty Joey Estes, who made 24 starts for the A’s last season, appears likely to claim the fifth spot in the rotation over fellow righty Mitch Spence, who looks set to return to the bullpen this year. Righties J.T. Ginn and Gunnar Hoglund, minor league free agent signee Jason Alexander, lefty Jacob Lopez, who was acquired from Tampa Bay in the Springs deal, and Brady Basso, once he’s recovered from his shoulder strain, should all be available reinforcements at Triple-A Las Vegas, along with promising young righties Mason Barnett and Jack Perkins, who could start the season at Vegas or Double-A Midland.
RELIEF PITCHERS
All-Star closer Mason Miller returns to anchor the A’s bullpen again this season. He’ll likely be backed by righties Jose Leclerc, Tyler Ferguson, Mitch Spence, Noah Murdock and Justin Sterner along with lefties T.J. McFarland and Hogan Harris. The A’s re-signed McFarland as a free agent after he turned in a solid season for the team in 2024, while Harris is expected to serve as a lefty long man out of the pen this year. The veteran reliever Leclerc was brought aboard as a free agent in the offseason, while Ferguson will serve in the same setup role that he performed well in last year, and Spence is expected to return to the long-man role that he served in early last season. Groundball-specialist Murdock was acquired as a Rule-5 pick from Kansas City, while Sterner, who was claimed off waivers from the Rays, appears to have laid claim to the final spot in the A’s bullpen after Michel Otanez was sidelined with a shoulder injury. If reinforcements are needed from Triple-A, righties Grant Holman, Ryan Cusick and Elvis Alvarado all remain on the 40-man roster. In addition, righties Anthony Maldonado, Tanner Dodson, Dylan Floro and Pedro Santos along with lefties Matt Krook, Ben Bowden and CD Pelham could all be working out of the Las Vegas bullpen as well.
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