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With an eye on a competitive 2027 season ahead of their 2028 relocation to Las Vegas, the Athletics are poised for significant changes both on and off the field. The organization recently underwent a major front-office shift, mutually parting ways with general manager David Forst, and further changes could be on the horizon, including the potential dismissal of manager Mark Kotsay before the season begins.
Roster improvements are also imperative. Because the A's will play one more season at a minor league venue, attracting free-agent pitchers could prove difficult. Consequently, the trade market becomes the primary avenue for upgrades, and one veteran starter stands out as an ideal fit: Michael Wacha of the Kansas City Royals.
This isn't the first time Wacha has been linked to the Athletics. However, with the Royals falling out of contention around the trade deadline, they were inactive. Now, as Oakland aims to compete again, acquiring a pitcher with ace potential is a top priority, and Wacha has consistently delivered at a high level for years.
The A's rotation is thin and could lose veteran starters Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs due to an opt-out and a club option, respectively. If there was ever a moment to add a starter of Wacha's caliber, it is now. The Royals, meanwhile, have a surplus of starting pitchers and could be interested in acquiring some of Oakland's young bats.
Wacha Defying Age
At 35, Wacha is defying the typical decline associated with players in their mid-thirties. In fact, he has been pitching better than ever for Kansas City. In 2026, he led all American League pitchers with 200.2 innings while recording an impressive 3.32 ERA. Since 2022, he has posted a sub-3.50 ERA in every season except 2025, when he still managed a solid 3.86 ERA over 172.2 innings. Clearly, Wacha remains capable of logging significant innings and performing at a high level.
While his age might be a concern for some, his performance has only improved as he has aged. With the potential loss of veteran starters, adding a pitcher with Wacha's track record would be a major boost for the Athletics.