Surprise high-leverage success has the Athletics looking competitive

TL;DR

The Athletics are showing competitiveness heading into the 2026 season, bolstered by key pitching signings. Aaron Civale and Jeffrey Springs have both performed well, contributing to the team's success.

Key points

Athletics are competitive heading into the 2026 season
Aaron Civale has a 2-1 record with a 3.54 ERA
Jeffrey Springs has a 3-1 record with a 3.34 ERA
Pitching was a major concern for the Athletics last season
Mark Leiter Jr. and Scott Barlow were signed to bolster the bullpen

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Coming into the 2026 season, there weren't a lot of questions surrounding the offense. Those came on the pitching side of things, as pitching held the club back last season.

They did address it over the offseason by signing Aaron Civale to help bolster the starting rotation and Mark Leiter Jr. and Scott Barlow to help bolster the bullpen.

Civale has done well, holding a 2-1 record with a 3.54 ERA, but it has been Jeffrey Springs who has really stepped up. He holds a 3-1 record with a 3.34 ERA, and he's on pace to have his best season since 2022.

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Surprise high-leverage success has the Athletics looking competitive

What has really been a surprise for the A's is the success of their bullpen. Joel Kuhnel has emerged as the team's closer, and he has done a great job with four saves so far this season.

With the offense looking the part and the pitching staff stepping up, it has led to the A's starting the season at 12-11, which puts them in first place in the AL West, and Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter is more than impressed with what he sees.

"The Athletics signed 31-year-old journeyman Joel Kuhnel to a minor league deal in December, and he was not even part of the Opening Day roster, but he has quickly pitched his way into a high-leverage role and filled a major void at the back of the bullpen. Pitching is going to be the deciding factor in how this season goes for a rebuilding club on the rise, so any surprise contributions are huge."

The continued success of the pitching staff could take this team far. They have the chance to give the fanbase the best record the team has seen in some time if things continue as they are.