The Oakland Athletics are gearing up for an exciting new chapter as they set their Opening Day roster for the 2025 season, marking their first of at least three seasons in West Sacramento after relocating from Oakland. The anticipation is palpable as fans prepare for the season opener against the Seattle Mariners on March 27, 2025. Headlining the roster is prized offseason acquisition Luis Severino, who brings a wealth of experience and talent to the pitching staff. Joining him is former New York Yankees teammate Gio Urshela, set to take on the role of the team's new third baseman.
In a notable development, 2021 first-round draft pick Max Muncy has secured a spot on the Opening Day roster and is poised to make his Major League Baseball debut this weekend. Muncy steps in to fill the void left by the injured Zack Gelof, who recently underwent surgery on a fractured hamate bone.
As the team prepares for the season, they are also making plans for a grand home opener on March 31, 2025, where they will honor the legendary Rickey Henderson. Every player and coach will don number 24 in tribute to Henderson, the greatest player in franchise history. The home opener will be a festive occasion, featuring a concert, artist performances, a National Anthem flyover, and two special giveaways for fans.
Gates will open at 5:05 p.m. PT, and fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere as The Freshmakers perform on the ticket plaza and DJ Christie entertains outside the stadium. Additionally, Shane Q, a Sacramento native and top-10 finisher on The Voice, will sing the National Anthem, adding to the celebratory ambiance.
The Athletics are looking to improve upon a disappointing 69-93 finish in 2024, which marked their fourth consecutive losing season. The team has made significant strides in player acquisitions, locking in key players to long-term contracts in an effort to build a competitive roster. This season is particularly important as they aim to establish themselves as a playoff contender in their new market.
In preparation for the season, the A's will kick off with a four-game series against the Mariners, providing a chance for the team to showcase its revamped lineup. The roster features a mix of promising young talent and experienced veterans, including catcher Shea Langeliers, who has emerged as a key offensive contributor over the past two seasons, hitting 22 and 29 home runs, respectively.
First base will be manned by Tyler Soderstrom, a 2020 first-round draft pick, who has shown potential with a .279 batting average during a brief stint last season. Meanwhile, the second base position will see a rotation between Zack Gelof, who is recovering from injury, and Max Muncy, who is eager to make an impact after being ranked as the A's No. 7 prospect.
At shortstop, Jacob Wilson, the sixth-overall pick from the 2023 draft, is expected to make a significant contribution after a promising debut last year. The A's are counting on Wilson to build on his minor league success, where he boasted an impressive .401/.446/.606 slash line.
Gio Urshela brings a wealth of experience to the hot corner, having spent time with multiple teams in the majors. The A's are hopeful that Urshela can provide the stability and production they need at third base, especially after a lackluster performance from the position in 2024.
The outfield is highlighted by Brent Rooker, the team's standout player who earned a Silver Slugger award after hitting 39 home runs with a .927 OPS last season. Rooker, who recently signed a five-year, $60 million contract, is expected to be a key figure in the team's offense. Joining him are Lawrence Butler, who showcased his talent in the second half of last season, and JJ Bleday, who was acquired in a trade with the Miami Marlins and had a solid performance in 2024.
Seth Brown, a veteran presence on the team, will also play a crucial role, bringing consistency and power to the lineup. The A's are counting on Brown to continue his trend of hitting 14 home runs in each of the past two seasons.
As the team heads into the new season, they face some challenges, including injuries to key players. Left-hander Ken Waldichuk has been placed on the 60-day injured list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, while several others, including Gelof and Brady Basso, are also on the injured list. However, the A's remain optimistic about their depth and the potential of their young prospects.
The Athletics are not just focused on the present; they are also looking ahead to their future in Las Vegas, where they plan to build a $1.7 billion domed stadium on the Strip, set to be completed in 2028. This ambitious project reflects the team's commitment to a long-term vision and a desire to establish themselves as a competitive franchise.
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Athletics perform in their new home and whether they can turn the page on a difficult chapter in franchise history. With a mix of exciting prospects and seasoned veterans, the A's are ready to make their mark in the 2025 season.
In conclusion, the Oakland Athletics are entering a new era filled with hope and ambition. With their Opening Day roster set and plans for a grand home opener underway, the team is poised to capture the attention of baseball fans across the country. Will they rise to the occasion and become a surprising contender in the American League? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the journey begins now.
