Last July, the A’s made one of the biggest trades of the trade deadline, sending flamethrowing closer Mason Miller to the San Diego Padres in exchange for elite shortstop prospect Leo De Vries and three minor-league pitchers.
After trading Miller, one of the best closers in the league, many people expected the A’s bullpen to struggle the rest of the season. However, the group of Tyler Ferguson, Justin Sterner, Hogan Harris, Elvis Alvarado, Michael Kelly and Sean Newcomb combined to pitch well in a closer by committee style helping the A’s post a 34-24 record over the season’s final stretch.
All those players are back with the exception of Newcomb, who signed with the Chicago White Sox in free agency. The A’s strengthened their bullpen this offseason by signing veteran free-agent relievers ScottBarlow and Mark Leiter Jr, two players that have experienced periods of success in their MLB careers. Yet, the club remains without a proven closer entering 2026.
Barlow, who has accumulated 59 saves over his first eight seasons, may be given the first shot as the A’s closer this season, although his tendency to suffer command lapses and walk batters may lead the A’s to consider other options. Last year, he mainly pitched in earlier innings, only tallying one save with the Cincinnati Reds. Likewise for Leiter, who saved two games for the New York Yankees this past season.
As a result, it seems that manager Mark Kotsay may once again go with a closer by committee approach determined by matchups to start the season. For instance, left-hander Harris could pitch the ninth if left-handed hitters are scheduled to hit, while Barlow or Alvarado could enter to deal with dangerous right-handed batters. It also will likely be determined by health and performance, with the A’s likely to stick with a closer if he goes multiple games without blowing leads.
Alternatively, the A’s could hand the closer reins to youngster Jack Perkins, an idea frequently brought up by this community as a way to keep him on the field, increase his effectiveness and manage his workload. Another idea is to employ Luis Medina out of the bullpen late in games once he returns from Tommy John surgery rehab. Medina is out of options and he throws hard, so probably will not clear waivers if the A’s do not have a place for him on the roster.
Who do you think should be the A’s closer this season? Is it someone currently on the team or a free agent that the A’s should sign? Or should they stick with a closer by committee rotation? Debate and comment below.