Can a bruised roster still find bright spots? The Athletics lost Nick Kurtz, Brent Rooker, Shea Langeliers and Tyler Soderstrom to lengthy injuries, sending a 12th‑ranked offense tumbling to 20th in 2026.
The gap in the middle opened chances for raw talent, and you’ll see several names that could stick around even when the squad is fully healthy. Below is a rundown of each youngster and their possible 2027 role.
The former second‑rounder surged late, posting a .307 average with eight homers and nine steals from August onward. He crossed home plate 37 times in 52 games, anchoring the leadoff spot, and closed his rookie year with a .945 OPS in September.
Bolte’s impact went beyond the bat; he logged five Defensive Runs Saved in center field. For my money, he earns the Opening Day center assignment next season.
Kuroda‑Grauer’s 146 wRC+ in 21 games hinted at everyday potential before a lower‑body injury halted his momentum.
It’s a pity his stint was cut short. His contact‑oriented, low‑power style isn’t flashy, yet it could complement the A’s power core. He also covers second, third and short, mirroring the versatility of Jeff McNeil, Donovan Walton and Max Muncy, and may start the year in Las Vegas.
‘Tommy Tanks’ arrived after the All‑Star break, delivering a .600 OPS in 56 games while rotating at first and third. White lacks the typical corner‑infielder power, yet he belted 10 homers in 76 minor‑league games and posted a .328 slugging line with a .074 ISO in 195 A’s plate appearances.
Finding a spot for White proves tricky. Kurtz dominates first base, Rooker handles the DH role and Langeliers fills in when not catching, while Zack Gelof locked third after a rebound 2026. More injuries would be needed for White to see regular time in 2027.
A foot injury limited Clarke to 40 games after he opened the season in center. Even with Bolte’s rise, Clarke needed that runway to prove major‑league hitting, but he simply couldn’t stay on the field.
When healthy, Clarke struggled, managing only a .409 OPS over 87 plate appearances and a 49 wRC+ across two seasons. Though still a plus defender, Bolte has vaulted ahead on the depth chart, leaving Clarke as a possible fourth‑outfielder or defensive plug.
Cortes isn’t a true “young” hitter, but he is a rookie by experience. He broke camp in 2025 and stayed on the roster all year, posting a 93 wRC+ in 381 plate appearances, mainly against right‑handed pitchers.
His OPS against lefties (.757) topped his right‑handed split (.711), a reversal from 2025 that hints at platoon upside. Defensive woes (-9 DRS) likely relegate him to DH, a role already filled, and with both corner outfield spots occupied by left‑handed sluggers, the bench may favor Clarke. Will the A’s give Cortes a regular DH role or seek another option in 2027?