(Photo credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images)

Athletics

2024 record: 69-93 (4th place, AL West)

He gone: LHP Scott Alexander, INF Nick Allen, LHP Kyle Muller, 1B Ryan Noda, RHP Ross Stripling.

New faces: LHP Jacob Lopez, RHP Luis Severino, LHP Jeffrey Springs, INF Luis Urias, INF Gio Urshela.

Biggest question entering Opening Day: Are the Athletics committed to displaying a good product now that they left Oakland? There are notable signs, such as signing free agent Severino to a three-year, $67 million deal and locking up core offensive players Lawrence Butler (seven years, $65.5 million) and Brent Rooker (five years, $60 million). Top-notch closer Mason Miller is a candidate for a similar deal. There is excitement in Sacramento about the Athletics coming to town for three years before moving on to Las Vegas, even if Sacramento is not officially part of the team name. It is just Athletics, according to team brass. It will not be the name that matters. It's having enough talent to chase a wild-card spot.

Top prospect: SS Jacob Wilson got his feet wet for 28 major league games in 2024 and batted .250 after hitting a combined .401 in 79 minor league contests over the past two seasons. The 22-year-old is a contact hitter with little power who doesn't strike out much and could be a regular .300 hitter later in his career. He's on the fast track after being the No. 6 overall pick in 2023.

Breakout player: Butler displayed his potential last season with 22 homers, 24 doubles and 18 steals without being caught in 125 games. He batted .262 with an on-base percentage of .317, and both figures should rise this season. Another step up in performance will give the 24-year-old star status and perhaps be the face of the franchise that the Athletics need.

2025 outlook: The Athletics had the 13th-best record of AL teams last season, so a lot of improvement is needed to contend for a wild-card spot. Having Rooker (39 homers, 112 RBIs) in the middle of the order is big, and the club has three other power sources in C Shea Langeliers (29 HRs), Butler and OF JJ Bleday (20 HRs). The Athletics are shy on solid starting pitchers and are hoping RHP Joey Estes can take a step forward. A reliable Miller in the back end is a comfortable feeling for manager Mark Kotsay.

--Field Level Media