Elephant Rumblings: Playoffs Full of Former A’s

With the 2026 MLB playoffs underway, writer Ben Wiley highlights the significant presence of former Oakland Athletics players and staff across competing postseason rosters despite the franchise missing October for a fifth straight year. Notable names include Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, Atlanta Braves regulars Matt Olson and Sean Murphy, and Philadelphia Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo.

Wiley also points to pitchers Paul Blackburn on the New York Yankees, Sonny Gray on the Boston Red Sox, and San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller. Wiley expresses the opinion that the Athletics should have hired Vogt as manager rather than Mark Kotsay, while questioning whether the club should target Blackburn in upcoming free agency.