Written By Mauricio Segura // Image Created By: The Golden Bay Times Graphics Dept.
NOV 24, 2025
When the Athletics decided to move on from JJ Bleday, it was more than a transactional footnote. It was a philosophical pivot. The Green and Gold are no longer waiting for potential to bloom on its own. They are reshaping the outfield around players who fit their competitive timeline as they bridge Sacramento to Las Vegas.
Bleday once appeared to be a long term answer in center field, delivering 20 home runs in 2024 and showing flashes of offensive promise. But in 2025, inconsistency at the plate and poor defensive metrics in center created difficult questions. By the fall, the Athletics designated him for assignment. He elected free agency, officially ending his tenure and opening space for a different direction.
That direction begins with Tyler Soderstrom. Originally drafted as a catcher, Soderstrom has transitioned into the outfield while continuing to grow offensively. His left handed swing provides balance, and his ability to handle multiple defensive spots gives manager Mark Kotsay flexibility. He is no longer a developmental curiosity. He is part of the foundation.
In center, Denzel Clarke represents the defensive ceiling of the group. His range has already produced highlight catches, and evaluators have consistently praised his athleticism. The question for 2026 is whether his bat can match his glove. If it does, the A’s could have a true two way presence anchoring the outfield.
Right field likely belongs to Lawrence Butler, whose power remains one of the more intriguing elements of the lineup. Projection systems anticipate continued home run production, and his natural lift gives the Athletics legitimate run producing potential in the middle of the order. Butler’s development is critical if this unit is to move from promising to productive.
Depth rounds out the picture. Brent Rooker is expected to split time between the outfield and designated hitter, providing veteran power and lineup stability. His presence allows younger players to rotate without sacrificing offensive output. Carlos Cortes, who hit .309 with an .866 OPS in limited action last season, offers contact skills and versatility that could earn him meaningful at bats.
Meanwhile, Colby Thomas adds another layer of upside. His rookie flashes showed raw power, even if refinement remains ongoing. Behind him, prospect Henry Bolte continues to develop, giving the organization further athletic depth in the pipeline.
The 2026 outfield may not yet feature a household name, but it does feature alignment. Athletic defenders, emerging power, and positional flexibility now define the unit. Instead of patching holes with short term veterans, the Green and Gold are leaning into development and ceiling.
Bleday’s exit closed one chapter. What replaces it is not guaranteed success, but it is intentional construction. In a transitional era between cities and stadiums, that clarity matters. The A’s are building an outfield designed not just to survive the present, but to grow into whatever the next chapter becomes.
