Elephant Rumblings: Young Arms Ready to Take the Next Step?

MLB Roundup

Summarized by AI ⓘ

What is the story about?

As the A’s head into Spring Training 2026, one of the areas for the greatest growth potential is the starting rotation. At this point, and without any further trades or free agent signings, there are likely only two absolute locks for the starting five. Barring injury, we can count on righty Luis Severino, who came on stronger after a very rough start of the season and lefty Jeffrey Springs, who at times was a dominant strikeout machine and others spent more time looking at his pitches flying over

the outfield walls.

Following those two vets, are likely right-handed J.T. Ginn, lefty Jacob Lopez, and righty Luis Morales (in no particular order). Recently, A’s Beat Writer Martín Gallegos named Morales as strong candidate for a breakout season for the team. He cited his ten appearances for the A’s, with a 3.14 ERA tossing forty-three strikeouts and limiting opponents to eighteen walks in 48 2/3 innings “while showing off an electric fastball and nasty sweeping slider”.

Another arm that could possibly land in the starting rotation before the season is over is 2025 first round draft pick Jamie Arnold out of Florida State University (FSU). He’s the Athletics number two prospect and MLB’s 38^th overall. MLB Pipeline projects his big-league arrival to be 2027 but some experts see him in kelly-green and gold this season in West Sacramento. That would be quite the meteoric rise through the A’s minor league system but one only has to look at the Blue Jays Trey Yesavage who was a 2024 first round pick and skyrocketed to start Game one of the 2025 World Series. A rarity? Of course! But it’s something to think about.

Predict the starting five for 2026! (And Happy New Year A’s Nation!)

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