Bold Predictions for the Athletics’ 2026 Season: Can They Surprise Fans?

As the Oakland Athletics embark on their second season in West Sacramento, the anticipation is palpable among fans. This year marks the franchise’s 126th season, and the A’s are kicking things off with a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada. The opener didn’t go as planned, with the A’s falling 3-2 despite a standout performance from Shea Langeliers, who launched two home runs. The Blue Jays clinched the victory with a dramatic walk-off single from shortstop Andres Gimenez, setting the stage for the next game on Saturday, March 28, at 3:07 p.m. ET.

Last season was a unique chapter for the Athletics, as it marked the first time in 57 years that they didn’t play in the Bay Area, with their final game in Oakland occurring on September 26, 2024. Owner John Fisher’s quest for new facilities led to a contentious relocation, with fans expressing their frustration by urging him to sell the team. In the interim, the club has settled in Sacramento while awaiting the construction of a new ballpark in Las Vegas.

On the field, the Athletics had a mixed bag of results during their inaugural season in Sacramento. While they weren’t particularly strong, there were signs of potential, especially if the bullpen can improve. The lineup boasts impressive hitting talent, featuring players like Nick Kurtz, Brent Rooker, Jacob Wilson, Shea Langeliers, Tyler Soderstrom, and Lawrence Butler, who have shown they can compete with some of the best in the league.

Ending the previous season with a 76-86 record, the A’s struggled at home, posting a 36-45 record at Sutter Health Park, a minor-league venue with a capacity of just over 14,000. Despite the challenges, the average attendance for the 2025 season was 9,487, a number that could see an uptick as ticket prices remain low and Sacramento embraces its Major League Baseball team.

As predictions swirl for the season ahead, fans find themselves in a complicated relationship with the team. They love the A’s but harbor resentment toward Fisher. Some fans make the trek from Oakland to support their team, while others attend games to watch opposing players. The hope is that the community will rally around the A’s and fill the stands as they settle into their new home.

With 161 games to go, excitement is brewing. While injuries and momentum swings are inevitable in a long MLB season, the A’s are poised to be a fun team to watch. With key players like Brent Rooker, Jacob Wilson, Tyler Soderstrom, and Lawrence Butler signed to long-term contracts, there’s a sense of stability in the lineup. However, experts from USA TODAY caution that pitching may be a hurdle preventing the team from taking a significant step forward.

The offensive prowess displayed last season indicates that the A’s have the capability to win games. As they head into Round 2 in Sacramento, the question remains: could they reach 80 wins this season? While that may sound ambitious, it’s not outside the realm of possibility. This could lead to flirtations with wild-card discussions, though ultimately falling short.

Nick Kurtz enters the season fresh off a rookie campaign that saw him hit 36 home runs, driving in 86 RBIs with a .290 batting average and a 1.002 OPS. While it might seem far-fetched for the Baseball Writers’ Association of America to consider an MVP from a team that barely exceeds 80 wins, if the A’s find success, Kurtz’s name could emerge in the conversation. A playoff berth could solidify his MVP candidacy, making for an intriguing storyline as the season unfolds.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.