By DAVID BRANDT
MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Supervisor Mark Kotsay helped the Athletics navigate a troublesome three seasons whereas the franchise misplaced a number of video games, constructed a younger roster and handled an emotional departure from Oakland.
Now he will get the possibility to steer throughout doubtlessly happier instances.
“I’m very humbled right now,” Kotsay mentioned. “Outside of the day I married my wife, I think this is going to go down as one of the best days of my life. The opportunity has been given to me to lead this group forward.
“When I started this journey in 2022, as a manager, all I wanted was the chance to keep moving this forward and see this through.”
The 49-year-old Kotsay is in his fourth season with the Athletics and has led the group by way of a interval of upheaval that’s included a transfer from Oakland to Sacramento, California, the place they may play at a minor league stadium for the following few seasons. The eventual plan is to finish up in Las Vegas.
The A’s had a 69-93 document final season, which was a 19-win enchancment over a 112-loss season in 2023. The group seems to be on the rise with a younger lineup that features Brent Rooker, Shea Langeliers, Lawrence Butler and JJ Bleday.
Kotsay and the gamers laughed, nevertheless it’s true that optimism is excessive. The group is eyeing a return to the playoffs for the primary time since 2020 after having a 32-32 document following the All-Star break final season.
Rooker finalized a $60 million, five-year cope with the A’s throughout the offseason whereas right-hander Luis Severino inked a $67 million, three-year contract, signaling that the usually frugal franchise was keen to open its pockets because it tries to compete within the AL West.
Normal supervisor David Forst mentioned Kotsay’s regular hand by way of the group’s bittersweet closing homestand in Oakland was certainly one of many causes he was happy to provide the supervisor an extension.
“I’m just so proud to have him represent our organization, be the face of this franchise to the public and deal with whatever comes in the next few years and into Vegas,” Forst mentioned. “I’m so confident that Mark is the right guy. I’m thrilled he committed to being here.”
Kotsay initially had a three-year contract overlaying 2022-24 and in November 2023 the group exercised his 2025 possibility. Now the supervisor and former large league outfielder — who performed for the Athletics from 2004-07 — has some job safety because the group begins its tenure in Sacramento.
Initially Revealed: February 17, 2025 at 10:50 AM PST
