Morales has run into a bit of a home run problem which is not entirely uncommon for young pitchers. His 7.77 K/9 will not jump off the page but he has the stuff to see that number climb to around 10 K/9. I’m high on his upside and think the A’s have an arm that should help lead the rotation.

Luis Morales in his first 4 MLB starts:

20.2 IP
0.87 ERA
0.87 WHIP
22 K

The 22-year-old is looking like a piece of the A’s future rotation. pic.twitter.com/aUKWANCl6h

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) August 28, 2025

Of course, it’s not just the rotation that has pitched well in the second half. Lefty Hogan Harris has pitched to a 1.52 ERA while going multiple innings when called upon. Elvis Alvarado has racked up 32 strikeouts across 27 innings with a 3.33 ERA. Jack Perkins, before injury shut him down, was used in a bulk inning/starter role, and pitching well.

While we still don’t know enough or have a large sample size, the A’s are finding arms that will at least work. Arms that will not completely sink whatever their offense puts up. Arms that give this team a chance heading into next season.

Offense Has Top 10 Potential?

How many A’s, with at least 450 plate appearances, have a 120 wRC+ or better? Seriously, think of a number. The correct answer is five: Nick Kurtz (172), Shea Langeliers (129), Tyler Soderstrom (126), Jacob Wilson (122) and Brent Rooker (122). Every name listed here is a core piece with several years of control left before they have to be discussed in trades.

The only team in MLB that has had a trio of players hit 30+ HR for them?

The Athletics! Nick Kurtz, Brent Rooker and Shea Langeliers have all reached the 30 HR mark 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bsGlDn3nJd

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) September 18, 2025

Of those five names above a 120 wRC+, none seem uncommon. We are not talking about a pop up prospect or crazy hot streak with an expected regression. These are either top prospects who are proving they’re here to stay or guys with enough of a track record to expect a high baseline.

Add Lawrence Butler to the mix, who had a down year but still has talent, and you can see where the top 10 claim is not unhinged. Hell, even JJ Bleday has bounced back with an .811 OPS in the second half. Outfielder Colby Thomas has struggled in his rookie season but you would think one of these three names, most likely Butler, can provide enough to not make a corner outfield spot a dark hole.