The team that formerly resided in Oakland will be starting their journey to Las Vegas with a brief stint in Sacramento. The Athletics dropped Oakland from their name finalizing their divorce from the city they used to call their home. The Athletics over/under is set at 71.5, a mark that they haven’t hit in the past three seasons. Will that streak end in 2025? Will they have more success outside of Oakland?
Athletics Win Total OVER 71.5 (-110)
Outlook Based Off Last Season
The last season in Oakland was a forgettable one with the Athletics finishing 2024 with a 69-93 record. The team had a losing record in each of the first four months of the season, taking them out of any contention by July 1st. In fact this team had its highest win total since the 2021 season and hasn’t been above .500 since. In July and August, the team showed improvement having a winning record in those months. Even in September with a 10-16 record it wasn’t as bad as May and June.
Although the Athletics ranked in the top half of the league defensively, the other two-thirds of the game, hitting and pitching ranked bottom 5. The team did start playing better after the trade deadline and this has me believing that they will surpass the 71.5 season wins total.
Offseason Moves
The team formerly known as the Oakland Athletics were notorious for not spending, I mean just go watch Moneyball if you don’t believe me. In the offseason, they shocked the baseball world by bringing in former New York Yankees pitcher Luis Severino to be the anchor and ace of the staff. They would also bring in infielders Luis Urias and Gio Urshela in hopes of filling some much-needed holes in the lineup and defensively.
Two big moves the team made were bringing back sluggers Brent Rooker and Seth Brown. Rooker is coming off of back-to-back 30 home run seasons. These two should provide a little bit of protection in the middle of the A’s lineup.
When looking at the offseason for this team you also have to look at the division. With the Houston Astros losing key pieces like Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker can they repeat past success? The Los Angeles Angels have been wasting the prime years of Mike Trout’s career and can he even stay healthy? The Texas Rangers had a down year after winning the World Series in 2023. The Seattle Mariners may be the team to beat in this division.
Final Thoughts
It is about time that the Athletics hit the 70-win mark. I think this team has improved from last season and should surpass the 71.5 wins. Playing in Sacramento for the first time could give them a little added motivation. Let’s face it the old Coliseum wasn’t in the best condition and who knows if that could have played a part in the lack of success. I mean it could come down to the old saying “Look good, feel good.”
A usual small market team decided to spend a little money this offseason and it could pay dividends. Hey were not expecting this team to win the division or hell even be .500. Were asking for 72 wins and with this current team it should be achievable.
The Pick Is In: Athletics OVER 71.5 Wins (-110)
