Why It’s Unlikely the Athletics Turn Things Around

After a rough ending to the first half of the season, all signs point to an ugly second half.

Jul 11, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Athletics third baseman Joshua Kuroda-Grauer (44) looks on from the dugout prior to a game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Athletics would finish the first half of the season getting swept three series in a row.

The Athletics are not playing well, period. What is not so obvious is how this team can turn things around. The Athletics are currently on a nine-game losing streak, which marks the worst in baseball. Because of this, we will likely see the Athletics become more conservative at the deadline, a far cry from a month ago.

No Reason To Fix Issues Now

Jul 8, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Athletics starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs (59) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Athletics have a lot of issues on their roster right now. An unreliable bullpen, an inconsistent offense, and an abysmal starting rotation have led to this awful stretch of games. However, beyond losing, there is another problem to consider. The A's are now sellers at the deadline.

Keep in mind the Athletics were first in the A.L West with a sizeable lead. As of July 13, the A's are now eight games behind the Mariners and fourth in the division. There is no point in trying to make a late-season run. With so many problems and a poor track record, the A's season could be over.

Athletics Will Be Sellers

Mar 31, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

This was teased in the previous section. But with such a bad stretch of games, the season has already been written for the Athletics. The only way to turn things around would be to make a plethora of trades at the deadline, which would leave a sizeable dent in the farm system, something the Athletics will want stacked for the next few seasons.

Big-name players like Shea Langeliers and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer could be top trade targets for the A's in the next few weeks. With both players having excellent seasons, there will be a market for them. Even though it would leave a massive hole in the lineup, the A's could build a decent pitching staff if the cards are played right.

Injuries + Losing Is a Terrible Combo

Jul 4, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) looks on in a game against the Miami Marlins during the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Injuries have ravaged the Athletics and been a primary driver of the A's recent struggles. With both Zack Gelof and Nick Kurtz on the injured list, this could result in the A's losing streak bleeding into the second half of the season. If the A's struggle to find a series win early on, the sections above will be even more pronounced.

Ending the first half of the season poorly is one thing, but allowing it to continue early in the second half is another. Right now, the A's could hypothetically go on a miracle run and be back in the picture. But if the losses continue to pile up, the momentum will be shot, and the "selling" notion will be front and center.