What's Happening?
Brady Basso, a left-handed pitcher for the Oakland Athletics, faced a challenging 2025 season due to a shoulder injury that disrupted his trajectory as a starting pitcher. Initially drafted in the 16th
round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Basso was expected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation. However, a shoulder strain early in the season sidelined him, delaying his major league contributions. After a lengthy recovery and a brief setback during a rehab assignment, Basso returned to the mound in August. He was eventually called up to the Athletics' major league roster, where he excelled as a relief pitcher. Over the final month and a half of the season, Basso appeared in 11 games, posting a 2.31 ERA despite control issues, which included nine walks against eight strikeouts.
Why It's Important?
Basso's performance as a reliever highlights the importance of adaptability in professional sports. His ability to transition from a starting pitcher to a successful reliever demonstrates the depth and flexibility required in a major league bullpen. For the Athletics, Basso's emergence as a reliable left-handed option in relief is crucial, especially as the team navigates a rebuilding phase. His success could influence the team's strategy in managing their pitching staff, potentially prioritizing bullpen depth over starting rotation strength. This shift could impact the Athletics' competitiveness in future seasons, as they aim to develop a roster capable of contending for postseason play.
What's Next?
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Basso is expected to continue in a relief role, one of only two left-handed options in the Athletics' bullpen. His performance will be closely monitored as the team evaluates its in-house talent during the final stages of its rebuild. The Athletics will need to decide whether Basso can maintain his effectiveness over a full season and if he can be a key component of a bullpen that supports a playoff-contending team. His development will be critical as the Athletics aim to solidify their pitching staff and improve their overall team performance.
