Elephant Rumblings: Unsettled roster questions

MLB news roundup

Happy Friday, Athletics Nation!

Just 11 games remain in Spring Training, but a few roster questions remain ahead of the A’s Opening Day contest in Seattle on March 27. Per Martin Gallegos at MLB.com, a handful of players are still vying to break camp with the A’s as starting or relief pitchers, and the backup catcher spot also remains up for grabs.

Gallegos suggests that the fifth rotation spot is now down to just Joey Estes and Mitch Spence, with dark horse candidates such as No. 14 prospect J.T. Ginn and Hogan Harris likely eliminated from consideration for the time being. The latter two remain in the mix to fill out the bullpen.

My perception is that the general consensus in our community favors Spence over Estes, who has continued to have a bit of trouble with the long ball. Let’s compare how both have fared in Cactus League play so far this year:

Estes: 7⅔ IP, 5.87 K/9, 1.17 BB/9, 3.52 HR/9, 8.27 FIP

Spence: 8 IP, 6.75 K/9, 2.25 BB/9, 0.00 HR/9, 2.95 FIP

A cursory glance suggests that if Spence had the edge coming into Spring Training, Estes has failed to overcome his disadvantage. But these are very small samples. Whoever loses this competition will very likely fall back to the bullpen as a long relief option.

Gallegos indicates that two openings remain in the bullpen, where Mason Miller, Jose LeClerc, Tyler Ferguson, Michel Otañez, T.J. McFarland, and Noah Murdock are already expected to be situated come Opening Day. In addition to those who fall short of making the rotation, A’s No. 18 prospect Grant Holman is considered a candidate to break camp with a reliever spot.

Lastly, the most important backup position player—the catcher—remains an open question. Kyle McCann was backup to Shea Langeliers in 2024, and is still considered a possibility to repeat the role even though he has already been cut from camp. That leaves just Jhonny Pereda on the 40-man behind Shea, but non-roster invitee Willie MacIver is still in camp, as well.

I like Spence’s chances for the fifth rotation spot and expect that Estes will make the Opening Day roster in the bullpen. I’m less sure about who will pick up the final relief and backup catcher spots, but I’d probably go with Ginn and Pereda. How about you, AN? Tell me how this is going to shake out! And have a wonderful weekend.

A’s Coverage:

• In Shocking Abuse Of Power, Blogfather Uses Front Page For Personal Outreach
• Athletics 2025 Community Prospect List: Ayden Johnson rounds out the top 20
• Athletics score 11 in ninth for 12-1 win over Reds
• A’s lose again, fall to Diamondbacks 5-2
• 3 key roster decisions remain for A’s as Opening Day nears
• Kurtz will be in spotlight at Spring Breakout

MLB News & Interest:

• Rays Will Not Move Forward With Plans For New Ballpark
• From Paul Skenes to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., extensions to get done now and ones that can wait ($)
• Building an ace: How college pitching labs are cranking out MLB-ready flamethrowers
• Don’t sleep on these prospects at Spring Breakout — 1 from each team
• Are the Dodgers, not Yankees, the new ‘Evil Empire’? Don’t pass the Vader helmet yet ($)
• Lucas Giolito To Begin Season On Injured List
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Roster moves.

12-1 with no homers...but lots of two-baggers.

Mundane maneuvers or shenanigans? You decide.