As 2025 wraps up, anticipation builds for the 2026 baseball season, with free agent signings and trades still in progress. The Athletics are reportedly pursuing contract extensions for key players like first baseman Nick Kurtz and shortstop Jacob Wilson, who were top contenders in last year’s AL Rookie of the Year race, as well as catcher Shea Langeliers, indicating a focus on strengthening their core. Kurtz and Wilson have five years before hitting free agency, and based on recent extension trends, players of their caliber could command deals surpassing current records. Langeliers, closer to free agency, might be prioritized for an extension first. While the Athletics boast a solid lineup of position players, enhancing their pitching roster remains a critical task.
Meanwhile, the Angels have inked veteran right-hander Kirby Yates to a one-year, $5 million deal. Despite a challenging 2025 season with injuries, Yates is coming off a stellar 2024 campaign with the Rangers and could bolster the Angels’ bullpen significantly, joining fellow relievers Drew Pomerantz and Jordan Romano. Additionally, the White Sox have signed outfielder Jared Kelenic to a minor league contract, offering him a chance to prove himself after underwhelming major league stints. With the White Sox likely to trade Luis Robert Jr., Kelenic might provide valuable outfield depth as the team continues its rebuilding phase.
Fan Take: This flurry of offseason activity highlights how teams are strategically balancing youth extensions with veteran acquisitions to build competitive rosters. For baseball fans, these moves underscore an exciting period of transformation and opportunity that could shape the league’s landscape for years to come.
