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Athletics have an ironic trade deadline need thanks to a Mason Miller problem
TL;DR
The Athletics are surprisingly in playoff contention for 2026, currently leading the AL West with a 22-21 record. However, they need to improve their bullpen, particularly the closer role, as identified by analysts.
Key points
- Athletics are playoff contenders in 2026
- Current record is 22-21
- Team is leading the AL West
- Need for improvement in bullpen's closer role
- Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers are standout players
Athletics
Athletics have an ironic trade deadline need thanks to a Mason Miller problem originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Athletics are, unexpectedly, a playoff contender in 2026. While there's still plenty of games left between now and the playoffs, they're 22-21, sitting atop the AL West.
While the A's lineup has been incredible once again, with Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers looking like All-Stars so far, there is still room for improvement.
One of the top areas of need for this team is their bullpen's closer role. Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller identified a closer as their top need for the 2026 trade deadline.
"Tough to say at this point if anything close to a reliable closer will be available at the deadline, but the A's need one if they expect to remain atop this division," Miller writes.
This top need for the Athletics is a bit ironic, considering that at the 2025 trade deadline, they traded the best closer in baseball, Mason Miller, to the San Diego Padres. Now, one year later, the A's are set to explore closer additions of their own.
A's have an ironic trade deadline need thanks to a Mason Miller problem
There is not a set closer for the Athletics right now, with Jack Perkins, Joel Kuhnle, Mark Leiter, and Hogan Harris getting opportunities to close games this season.
Q&A
Why do the Athletics need a closer before the 2026 trade deadline?
The Athletics' bullpen has been identified as a weak spot, particularly the closer role, which is crucial for maintaining leads in tight games.
What is the Athletics' current record and standing in the AL West?
The Athletics currently have a record of 22-21 and are sitting atop the AL West division.
Who are the standout players for the Athletics in 2026?
Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers have been performing exceptionally well and are being considered for All-Star selections.