The A's Closer Conundrum: Who Will Seal the Deal in 2026?
Last July, a seismic trade rocked the baseball world when the Oakland Athletics sent their star closer, the fireballing Mason Miller, to the San Diego Padres. In return, the A's acquired a highly touted shortstop prospect, Leo De Vries, along with three promising minor-league pitchers. This blockbuster move left many wondering if the A's bullpen would crumble without its most reliable arm.
But here's where it gets interesting... Despite losing Miller, a genuine ace in the closer role, the A's bullpen didn't just survive; they thrived! A collective effort from Tyler Ferguson, Justin Sterner, Hogan Harris, Elvis Alvarado, Michael Kelly, and the now-departed Sean Newcomb formed a formidable "closer by committee." This strategic approach helped the team achieve a remarkable 34-24 record in the latter part of the season.
Now, as we look ahead to 2026, most of that same bullpen unit returns, with the notable exception of Sean Newcomb, who has since signed with the Chicago White Sox. The A's have bolstered their relief corps this offseason by bringing in veteran free agents Scott Barlow and Mark Leiter Jr., both of whom have demonstrated periods of significant success in their MLB careers. However, the club still seems to be searching for that one definitive, proven closer.
Scott Barlow, with 59 saves to his name over his eight-year career, might be the initial front-runner for the closer position. Yet, his history of occasional command issues and a tendency to issue walks could prompt the A's to explore other avenues. Last season, Barlow primarily pitched in earlier innings, recording just one save with the Cincinnati Reds. Similarly, Mark Leiter Jr. managed to secure two saves for the New York Yankees this past season. This suggests that neither is a guaranteed lockdown closer.
And this is the part most people miss... It appears manager Mark Kotsay might once again opt for a closer by committee strategy to kick off the 2026 season, with decisions heavily influenced by opposing team matchups. For instance, a left-handed pitcher like Hogan Harris could be deployed in the ninth inning if the opposing lineup features several left-handed hitters. Conversely, a right-handed pitcher like Barlow or Alvarado might be called upon to face dangerous right-handed batters. Performance and health will undoubtedly play a crucial role, with the team likely to stick with a pitcher who consistently closes out games without blowing leads.
Could the A's turn to a younger arm? An intriguing possibility gaining traction within the fanbase is entrusting the closer role to Jack Perkins. This approach could keep him on the field more often, potentially boost his effectiveness, and help manage his workload. Another potential solution could involve utilizing Luis Medina out of the bullpen in late-game situations once he's fully recovered from Tommy John surgery. Medina is out of minor-league options, meaning if the A's don't find a spot for him on the active roster, he'd likely be exposed to waivers, and given his high-velocity fastball, he'd be a tough player to pass up for another team.
So, the big question remains: Who do YOU believe should be the A's closer for the upcoming season? Is it one of the players already on the roster, or should the team pursue a free agent? Or is the "closer by committee" approach the most sensible path forward? Share your thoughts and join the debate in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take!
