Locked On A's - Daily Podcast On The Athletics

Jacob Lopez didn’t come into 2025 with hype, headlines, or prospect-list shine — and by the end of the season, none of that mattered. In this episode of Locked On A’s, we break down Lopez’s full 2025 campaign, why his numbers tell a better story than the radar gun, and how he quietly worked his way into being a legitimate rotation piece. From his ability to miss bats without elite velocity to the stretches where he flat-out carried starts, this was the year Lopez showed he belongs. Looking ahead to 2026, the conversation shifts from “nice surprise” to expectations. What does a full season look like if he stays healthy? Is he a depth arm, a back-end starter, or something more valuable in today’s game — a dependable lefty who takes the ball every fifth day? We explain why Jacob Lopez fits exactly what the A’s need right now, why his role matters more than flash, and why his development could quietly shape the rotation next season. Jacob Lopez, Jacob Lopez A's, Jacob Lopez 2025, Jacob Lopez 2026, A's pitching, A's rotation, A's starting pitcher, A's rotation 2026, MLB left handed pitcher, MLB pitching analysis, A's player development, A's baseball podcast, Locked On A's, Athletics pitching, MLB rotation breakdown Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://https://lockedonpodcasts.com/shows/ Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-as/ Join the Everydayer Club today and get Locked on A’s with no interruptions, members-only Discord access, and more — all for just $5 a month or $50 a year. Go to https://lockedonas.supercast.com/ Did Locked On Locked on A’s make your Spotify Wrapped? Prove it on social media to secure a free month of our brand new Everydayer Club. Just tag our national Locked On Podcast Network account on any social platform, and we'll drop you a code. Be one of the first to join the Everydayer Club to get your favorite show ad-free and exclusive access to the members-only Discord channel. Join our LOCKED ON A'S INSIDERS texting community and chat with host Booney any time by clicking this link: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas. Booney provides one-on-ones, breaking news, show previews, A's breakdowns, and offseason updates. Try it FREE for 14 days! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The A’s 2026 schedule isn’t just a list of games — it’s a stress test. Early road trips, tough opponents, and very little margin for error make one thing clear: this team cannot afford a slow start. In today’s show, we break down why April and May matter more than ever, how momentum shapes belief inside the clubhouse, and why starting strong changes everything from roster decisions to trade-deadline strategy. Think of it like a road trip at the start of a new job — first impressions stick, whether you like it or not. We’ll also dig into which players must have big seasons in 2026 — not projected stars or future lineups, but the guys who decide whether this team moves forward or spins its tires. On top of that, we tackle MLB’s proposed rule changes, including an in-season tournament and a split-season format, and what those ideas could mean for a young, evolving A’s roster. New rules don’t save teams — readiness does — and 2026 is about finding out who’s actually ready. A’s 2026 schedule, A’s 2026 season, A’s baseball 2026, A’s MLB schedule, A’s season preview, A’s players to watch 2026, A’s breakout players 2026, MLB rule changes 2026, MLB in season tournament, MLB split season format, A’s rebuild timeline, A’s future outlook, Locked On A’s, A’s live show, MLB schedule analysis, A’s April schedule, A’s fast start, A’s 2026 expectations Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts... Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/... Join the Everydayer Club today and get Locked on A’s with no interruptions, members-only Discord access, and more — all for just $5 a month or $50 a year. Go to https://lockedonas.supercast.com/ Did Locked On Locked on A’s make your Spotify Wrapped? Prove it on social media to secure a free month of our brand new Everydayer Club. Just tag our national Locked On Podcast Network account on any social platform, and we'll drop you a code. Be one of the first to join the Everydayer Club to get your favorite show ad-free and exclusive access to the members-only Discord channel. Join our LOCKED ON A'S INSIDERS texting community and chat with host Booney any time by clicking this link: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas. Booney provides one-on-ones, breaking news, show previews, A's breakdowns, and offseason updates. Try it FREE for 14 days! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas Follow the show on Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok: @lockedonas Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #Athletics #LasVegasAthletics #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Third base has felt like the A’s biggest unfinished puzzle this winter — a carousel spinning without a clear winner. Coming out of 2025, the team left spring training with an open job at the hot corner that still hasn’t been firmly claimed, and it’s turning into one of those “weakness that didn’t get fixed” storylines. GM David Forst has publicly said he’s comfortable choosing from inside the clubhouse, and honestly, that tells you everything: they didn’t go chase a veteran third baseman because they believe someone already in the building can stick. But belief and performance aren’t always the same thing. Last year’s Opening Day starter Max Muncy remains in the mix despite a roller-coaster with the bat. Brett Harris is another contender — versatile, scrappy, and defensively sure-handed — but he’s never shown enough pop to quiet critics. Then there’s Darrell Hernaiz, the young glove-first infielder whose upside feels more taxi squad than everyday answer at this point. And looming over all of it is the real X-factor: phenom 18-year-old Leo De’Vries. The kid can hit, and scouts rave about his raw tools, but he’s still just 18 and hasn’t technically broken camp with the big club. Fans and pundits alike wonder if De’Vries is the real future at third or just a shiny “someday” to distract from an imperfect present. So the big question becomes: are Muncy, Harris, and Hernaiz truly competing for the job, or are they just keeping a seat warm until De’Vries is ready to roar? As spring training unfolds, that carousel might finally start to slow — but until one of those names takes firm hold, third base remains the A’s most glaring “figure this out” spot. athletics third base, a's third base competition, a's spring training battles, a's infield depth, a's roster questions, a's internal options, max muncy a's, brett harris a's, darrell hernaiz a's, leo de'vries a's, a's top prospects, a's spring training storylines, a's roster competition, a's infield future, a's weaknesses 2026, a's prospect timeline, a's third base carousel, a's player development, a's farm system, locked on a's Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts... Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/... Join the Everydayer Club today and get Locked on A’s with no interruptions, members-only Discord access, and more — all for just $5 a month or $50 a year. Go to https://lockedonas.supercast.com/ Did Locked On Locked on A’s make your Spotify Wrapped? Prove it on social media to secure a free month of our brand new Everydayer Club. Just tag our national Locked On Podcast Network account on any social platform, and we'll drop you a code. Be one of the first to join the Everydayer Club to get your favorite show ad-free and exclusive access to the members-only Discord channel. Join our LOCKED ON A'S INSIDERS texting community and chat with host Booney any time by clicking this link: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas. Booney provides one-on-ones, breaking news, show previews, A's breakdowns, and offseason updates. Try it FREE for 14 days! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas Follow the show on Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok: @lockedonas Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #Athletics #LasVegasAthletics #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lawrence Butler came into 2025 spring training with momentum, expectations, and a real chance to cement himself as part of the A’s long-term core. Instead, the year unraveled. This episode walks step by step through Butler’s season — from the optimism of spring, to early warning signs, to a regular season that never quite found its footing. The swings, the approach, the confidence — it all drifted, and by the end of the year the gap between what Butler was supposed to be and what he actually was had become impossible to ignore. This isn’t a hit piece. It’s an honest autopsy of a season that went sideways. The bigger question isn’t what went wrong — it’s what comes next. 2026 isn’t just another year for Lawrence Butler, it’s a pivot point. The A’s need him to bounce back, not just for lineup depth, but for the entire roster vision heading toward the Vegas era. This episode explains why Butler’s rebound matters more than almost any single-player storyline on the roster, what a successful bounce-back actually looks like, and why the margin for patience is officially gone. In baseball terms: this is the at-bat that decides the inning. Lawrence Butler, A's Lawrence Butler, Lawrence Butler 2025, Lawrence Butler 2026, A's player analysis, A's season breakdown, Lawrence Butler bounce back, A's young core, A's rebuild, Lawrence Butler struggles, A's outfield future, Locked On A's, A's baseball analysis, MLB breakout candidates 2026, A's Vegas future Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts... Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/... Join the Everydayer Club today and get Locked on A’s with no interruptions, members-only Discord access, and more — all for just $5 a month or $50 a year. Go to https://lockedonas.supercast.com/ Did Locked On Locked on A’s make your Spotify Wrapped? Prove it on social media to secure a free month of our brand new Everydayer Club. Just tag our national Locked On Podcast Network account on any social platform, and we'll drop you a code. Be one of the first to join the Everydayer Club to get your favorite show ad-free and exclusive access to the members-only Discord channel. Join our LOCKED ON A'S INSIDERS texting community and chat with host Booney any time by clicking this link: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas. Booney provides one-on-ones, breaking news, show previews, A's breakdowns, and offseason updates. Try it FREE for 14 days! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas Follow the show on Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok: @lockedonas Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #Athletics #LasVegasAthletics #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Tyler Soderstrom contract details are out — and once you actually read the fine print, everything changes. On today’s Locked On A’s, we break down why this extension isn’t just about locking up a cornerstone player, but about how the structure of the deal quietly reshapes the A’s entire offseason. This isn’t a reckless splash or a PR move. It’s a calculated contract that gives the A’s flexibility, cost certainty, and leverage — the kind of move serious teams make before they start adding. That flexibility is the story. With the way the Soderstrom deal is structured, the A’s may have more financial room than anyone expected, opening the door to additional extensions, targeted pitching help, or strategic patience without being boxed in. We connect the dots between the numbers, the roster timeline, and why this contract changes how the front office can operate right now. The contract didn’t just lock in Soderstrom — it unlocked options. Tyler Soderstrom contract details, Tyler Soderstrom extension, A’s Soderstrom deal, A’s payroll flexibility, A’s offseason strategy, Locked On A’s, A’s roster construction, A’s spending power, A’s contract structure, A’s long term plan, A’s core extensions, A’s front office strategy, A’s rebuild timeline, A’s financial flexibility, A’s 2026 outlook, MLB contract extensions, A’s baseball analysis Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts... Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/... Join the Everydayer Club today and get Locked on A’s with no interruptions, members-only Discord access, and more — all for just $5 a month or $50 a year. Go to https://lockedonas.supercast.com/ Did Locked On Locked on A’s make your Spotify Wrapped? Prove it on social media to secure a free month of our brand new Everydayer Club. Just tag our national Locked On Podcast Network account on any social platform, and we'll drop you a code. Be one of the first to join the Everydayer Club to get your favorite show ad-free and exclusive access to the members-only Discord channel. Join our LOCKED ON A'S INSIDERS texting community and chat with host Booney any time by clicking this link: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas. Booney provides one-on-ones, breaking news, show previews, A's breakdowns, and offseason updates. Try it FREE for 14 days! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas Follow the show on Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok: @lockedonas Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #Athletics #LasVegasAthletics #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.