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There was a ton to be happy about if you were an Athletics fan this past season. While they did not make the postseason, they did finish with their best regular-season record since the 2021 season, when they last made the playoffs.
Players like Brent Rooker, Jacob Wilson, and Nick Kurtz were huge for the club in 2025. The trio of rookies led the way for the team in nearly every offensive category outside of OPS and runs batted in.
Kurtz even won a Silver Slugger Award for his offensive prowess this past season. Things are looking bright for the A's, and they will look to build upon an impressive 2025 season in 2026.
A pair of Athletics youngsters rank among MLB's top five for long-term value
Both Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson have been viewed as some of the top rookies who hold the best long-term value, according to MLB Pipeline. Kurtz was ranked second behind Boston Red Sox slugger Roman Anthony, and Jacob Wilson was ranked third.
"Some scouts thought Kurtz offered the best combination of swing decisions, contact, and exit velocities in the 2024 Draft and the A's rated him No. 1 on their Draft board before grabbing him with the No. 4 pick," said Jim Callis.
"Since 1900, only eight rookies who played primarily at shortstop exceeded Wilson's .311 average (fourth in the AL) this season – including Hall of Famers Derek Jeter, Joe Sewell, and Arky Vaughan."
Both of these players possess elite, game-changing offensive skills that any team would love to have. They could lead the way for this club for years to come, or could be excellent trade chips, given the A's history with star players in the past.
More MLB news:
Padres' Manny Machado joins elite company with his third Silver Slugger
Yankees named AL's biggest offensive threat for the second time
Blue Jays' George Springer takes home third Silver Slugger Award
Aaron Judge ties Yankees' record for most Silver Slugger Awards with five
Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. wins his first Silver Slugger Award
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