The Athletics, currently 61-95, are just a week away from completing their fifth consecutive season with a losing record, but their biggest problem currently is addressing the vacancy at general manager.
The A's have been searching for a permanent replacement in the front office for over a month sinceparting ways with longtime general manager David Forst
, who spent 27 seasons with the franchise, on Aug. 7.The team would like to fulfill the vacancy before the season ends next week.
Assistant general manager Dan Feinstein was put in place in the interim while the search prolongs. It's not going to happen in the blink of an eye, but it is reflective of the state of the team overall - there are major holes that need to be filled.
"David has been an
integral part of the A's and our success for nearly three decades," team owner John Fisher said in a statement. "His leadership, dedication, and commitment to this team have helped shape our baseball operations department and position us for the future. We are grateful for everything David has done for our organization."
A's organization in discord?
It's natural to wonder what happened with Forst, 50, after nearly three decades with the team.
There was allegedly internal disagreement.According to USA TODAY Sports baseball columnist Bob Nightengale, Forst was in the final year of his contract and didn't want to relocate to Las Vegas in 2028 when the organization moves from its temporary home in West Sacramento.
The A's are on pace for one of their worst finishes in the last five years with just five losses away from the centennial mark and six games remaining. They sit fourth in the AL West.
The Athletics, who made wholesale firings on their minor-league development staff, also aren’t done yet. While the search for a general manager is on, a search might soon be on for a new coach. Nightengale reported rumblings around the league that skipper Mark Kotsay could be on the way out.
However, he added that Kotsay has a contract through 2028, when the A's are expected to make their move to Las Vegas.
Kotsay could manage the club for a season in Las Vegas and see from there. Overall, his job is considered safe. The current focus is on the vacant general manager position.
A's candidates for general manager
Here's who the A's have contacted about the position:
Mike Rizzo, Washington Nationals former general manager
Mike Rizzo recently had a formal interview with the Athletics for their vacant GM position, according to Nightengale.
Rizzo would be a strong candidate for the A's. He helped build the Washington Nationals into a powerhouse. Rizzo's tenure in Washington, which began in 2006, was highlighted by the 2019 World Series championship.
Rizzo was fired by the Nationals during the 2025 season after a rough start and not having seen success since their covenant 2019 season. Under Rizzo, the Nationals made five playoff appearances and won four division titles, one National League pennant and one World Series title.
But it's not a foregone conclusion that Rizzo would choose the A's. He's also expected to have strong interest from the Houston Astros, who also have a vacancy at general manager. The 'Stros won't begin their interview process until their season concludes.
Billy Owens, Athletics assistant general manager, director of player personnel
The Athletics have also looked internally for their next general manager. The A's interviewed their current assistant general manager and director of player personnel Billy Owens.
Owens has spent 28 years with the organization after starting as a scout and minor league hitting coach in 1999.
His longstanding tenure with the franchise gives him strong consideration. If Owens is promoted, he would become the first Black general manager in the history of the organization.
James Click, Toronto Blue Jays vice president of baseball strategy
Another candidate the A's are looking at is James Click, vice president of baseball strategy with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Click is considered a strong candidate and has held his capacity with the Blue Jays since 2023.
Prior to the Blue Jays, he spent three seasons with the Houston Astros as their general manager. Click came in as the successor to Jeff Luhnow in 2020. Click is credited with success in Houston, having helped put the team together that won the 2022 World Series.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who will be the A's next general manager? Three candidates for the job
