Elephant Rumblings: Takeaways from 2026

With three games remaining in the 2026 MLB season, the Athletics missed a playoff opportunity following a summer collapse driven by injuries and poor pitching under manager Mark Kotsay. The team finished with the league's second-worst ERA, the second-most runs allowed behind the Colorado Rockies, the most home runs allowed, and the second-worst WHIP. Meanwhile, either the Houston Astros or Texas Rangers will claim the American League West division with at best a .500 record.

Veteran pitcher Luis Severino made just 12 starts during a $22 million campaign before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury, while Jeffrey Springs conceded the most home runs in the league. Young pitchers J.T. Ginn and Gage Jump showed promise, but severe bullpen struggles forced outfielder Carlos Cortes to pitch in nine blowout losses. On offense, rookie Henry Bolte emerged in center field alongside a resurgent campaign from Zack Gelof.