SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Mark Kotsay, the manager of the Athletics, is anticipating a transformative phase for the team, particularly as it transitions from its historical home in Oakland to West Sacramento, where it will spend the upcoming years while awaiting a new stadium in Las Vegas.
This offseason has marked a significant change with the signing of pitcher Luis Severino to a remarkable three-year contract worth $67 million—the largest in the history of the franchise. The deal includes an option for Severino to opt out and become a free agent again following the 2026 season.
Severino’s addition has sparked optimism, further fueled by the signings of third baseman Gio Urshela and left-handed pitcher Jeffrey Springs. These moves have created a renewed sense of enthusiasm among the coaches and players as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Kotsay views these free agent signings not only as an opportunity to enhance the team during this transitional period but also as a strategic means of taking full advantage of Major League Baseball’s revenue-sharing framework. This is noteworthy, as the Athletics are set to receive the full amount prescribed by the revenue sharing model for the first time since the current collective bargaining agreement was put in place in 2022. If a team’s luxury tax payroll does not meet a certain threshold—150% of the revenue share—it shifts the burden of proof in any grievances regarding revenue sharing violations to the team rather than to the players’ association.
“I was aware of our current payroll situation and what revenue sharing required of us, so I expected some targeted spending aligned with our long-term goals. It doesn’t come as a surprise,” Kotsay stated during a casual meeting in Sacramento, a short distance from the Sutter Health Park, where the Athletics will play for the next three seasons.
Kotsay expressed optimism regarding ownership’s vision for the Athletics’ future, especially about the expectations set for 2028 when they anticipate moving into a new stadium. “My hope is that we can achieve our goals prior to that transition, which includes winning and making it to the postseason to establish a culture of championship-caliber seasons,” he remarked.
This mindset represents a drastic shift for the Athletics, who traditionally have ranked as one of the league’s least ambitious spenders. The team historically allowed many of its own free agents to depart without any offer, while also rarely pursuing high-profile players during the offseason.
However, this strategy seems to be evolving now that the team is poised to relocate from Oakland. Outfielder JJ Bleday, along with teammates Brent Rooker and JP Sears, highlighted the positive changes during the meeting, stating, “It reflects our intention to compete. It emphasizes our desire to reach the postseason and do everything possible to build a winning team.”
This new direction marks a clear distinction from previous years, particularly for Kotsay, who faced the challenge of informing star player Matt Olson about his trade during his initial season as manager in 2022. “It was a stark contrast from the past, where I had to report trades. Now, I’m welcoming Luis Severino, who represents our largest free agent contract to date, and I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the upcoming spring training,” Kotsay added.
Having recently returned from an 18-day family vacation in Asia, Kotsay is now exploring housing options in or around Sacramento, similar to many of his players.
“This is an annual routine for us,” he noted. “I recognize several players are also searching for apartments and considering their proximity to the ballpark. It’s become part of our off-season due to our previous relocation outside of Oakland.”
During his time in Sacramento, Kotsay toured Sutter Health Park and mentioned that some of the players were planning to attend a Sacramento Kings NBA game against the Miami Heat.
“Sutter Health Park felt surprisingly comfortable,” Kotsay commented about the facility, which also houses the Triple-A River Cats, affiliated with the San Francisco Giants. “I believe it’s one of the finest Triple-A ballparks I’ve encountered. The renovation process is progressing well, albeit a bit tight on the timeline, but they’ve assured us it will be finished. I left there feeling quite optimistic.
“There’s a palpable excitement. People are eager to witness Major League Baseball in the area.”
