The 2024 season for the Oakland Athletics was one defined by growth, determination, and an eye toward the future. Despite the challenges of a rebuilding phase, there were flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball that hinted at what could be ahead. For a team in the midst of a transition, the A's front office has shown a clear focus on developing young talent, making strategic trades, and seeking ways to move forward without compromising their long-term vision.

In the 2023/2024 offseason, the A's focused on adding depth and addressing needs that would allow their younger players to gain experience while providing much-needed support across the roster. They made several moves that set the stage for the season to come, signing a mixture of free agents and making trades that reflected the team’s rebuilding strategy.

Among the most notable additions was the signing of Luis Severino, the former New York Yankees starting pitcher, to provide a veteran presence in the rotation. His addition will hopefully bring some stability to a young and unproven group of arms. In the bullpen, the A's signed Ben Bowden and Jason Alexander to further bolster their relief corps, adding flexibility and depth that the team sorely needs.

The front office also continued to focus on building for the future by securing key prospects. In early December 2024, the Athletics traded Will Simpson (minors), Jacob Watters (minors), Joe Boyle, and a draft pick to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Jacob Lopez and Jeffrey Springs. This trade, while not flashy, addresses the need for more pitching depth while giving up talent that may not be needed in the immediate future.

Additionally, the team has made a concerted effort to bring in more versatility and leadership, signing veterans like T.J. McFarland and Matt Krook to help mentor the younger pitching staff. These signings not only add depth but also provide an opportunity for the A's to learn from experienced arms and prepare for future years of competitiveness.

The A’s 2024 roster, which was largely composed of young players, saw some remarkable individual performances, with standout contributions on both sides of the ball. Brent Rooker, the power-hitting DH, had an MVP-caliber season. His 39 home runs and 112 RBIs were crucial for the A’s offense and showed that despite the team’s struggles, there are players capable of stepping up and providing the offense needed for success. Rooker’s performance, particularly his .293 batting average and .927 OPS, stood out in a lineup that struggled to consistently produce runs.

In addition to Rooker’s power surge, Shea Langeliers behind the plate was a positive contributor to the A’s offensive efforts. His .739 OPS and 29 home runs showed his development into a reliable presence at catcher. Langeliers’ defense, combined with his offensive contributions, made him a key player in the Athletics' future.

On the mound, JP Sears provided consistent and solid pitching. While he didn't necessarily have an All-Star campaign, his 2.3 WAR, 4.38 ERA, and 180.2 innings pitched were impressive for a team trying to build around young pitching talent. He was the workhorse for the rotation, and his ability to provide stability was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise underwhelming staff.

Mason Miller, with his 2.49 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 65 innings, was another bright young arm. He quickly became one of the most reliable pitchers in the rotation and showed flashes of potential to be the ace the Athletics have long needed.