MESA, Ariz. -- The midway point of Spring Training has provided a bit more clarity on how the Athletics might construct their roster entering the season. Still, some question marks remain.
With about two weeks of camp left, here’s an updated projection for the A’s 26-man Opening Day roster.
Catcher (2): Shea Langeliers, Austin Wynns
Langeliers remains entrenched as the A’s primary catcher coming off a career-best year, and he will continue that everyday role as long as he remains healthy. Wynns proved to be a quality backup last year before his season was cut short due to an abdominal strain. He entered spring fully healthy as the frontrunner to continue in that role.
First base (1): Nick Kurtz
The reigning American League Rookie of the Year, Kurtz returns looking to follow up on what was an incredible debut season and appears to be on the brink of superstardom as an elite hitter in his age-23 season.
Second base (1): Jeff McNeil
McNeil joined the A’s from the Mets via trade this offseason to further lengthen what was already an impressive lineup as a former batting champion. He brings the ability to play multiple positions, though the club expects him to be its primary second baseman. Zack Gelof, who ended last season injured with a dislocated left shoulder, made his Cactus League debut on Monday and will begin his push for a bench spot.
Third base (2): Max Muncy, Darell Hernaiz
The hot corner remains wide open for the A’s. Muncy has swung the bat well in spring games, while Hernaiz has already produced in big moments for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. Brett Harris, who entered camp as part of this mix, was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.
Shortstop (1): Jacob Wilson
Wilson finished runner-up to Kurtz in AL Rookie of the Year voting, was tied for the second-highest batting average (.311) in the Majors behind Aaron Judge and became the first fan-elected rookie shortstop to start the All-Star Game.
Outfield (4): Tyler Soderstrom, Denzel Clarke, Lawrence Butler, Carlos Cortes
Soderstrom moved from first base to left field last April and ended up a finalist for a Gold Glove Award in the AL. Clarke made several highlight-reel catches in center and could end up competing for his own Gold Glove over what is expected to be his first full season as a big leaguer. Butler remains a key piece of this young core in right field, and though he’s yet to play in a Cactus League game due to right knee surgery rehab, he’s racked up nearly 30 at-bats on the Minor League side and is expected to be ready for Opening Day.
One of the biggest competitions in camp might be the fourth outfielder job, with Cortes, who is currently away for the WBC with Team Puerto Rico, and Colby Thomas, who got a late start to spring games due to a right elbow injury, the two main candidates. A’s No. 5 prospect Henry Bolte has had a tremendous spring thus far, but he’s likely better served playing every day at Triple-A to begin the year rather than in a limited bench role in the big leagues.
Utility (1): Andy Ibáñez
Ibáñez was claimed off waivers from the Dodgers just before the start of spring. He’s the exact type of versatile player the A’s value as a veteran with experience at third, second, first and outfield. Gelof could factor in here as well, with manager Mark Kotsay indicating that he could see some time in the outfield this spring.
Designated hitter (1): Brent Rooker
Rooker appeared in all 162 games for the A’s last season, with 135 of those games (134 starts) coming as the DH. The rest came at the corner outfield spots, where he should get some time again this season.
Starting pitchers (5): Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, Luis Morales, Jacob Lopez, Aaron Civale
Severino and Springs anchor the rotation as established veterans. Morales and Lopez both flashed their upside as rookies last season, and they should have the edge on the Nos. 3 and 4 slots. Civale joined the A's just before the start of camp on a one-year deal and will likely fill the final rotation spot, which had been shaping up to be a competition. This leaves other young starters such as J.T. Ginn and Jack Perkins as potential bullpen options or valuable Triple-A starting depth.
Relievers (8): Hogan Harris, Justin Sterner, Michael Kelly, Tyler Ferguson, Elvis Alvarado, Luis Medina, Mark Leiter Jr., Scott Barlow
The A’s will go closer by committee, at least to start, with newcomers Leiter and Barlow expected to be key parts of the late-inning formula along with Alvarado, Ferguson, Kelly and Harris. Medina, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, has been touching 99 mph in spring games. Because he’s out of Minor League options, the A’s could prefer to start with him on the Opening Day roster rather than place him on waivers and make him available for the 29 other clubs.