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Oakland A’s could be eyeing 2026 with payroll purge

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 3: General Manager David Forst, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Billy Beane and Managing Partner John Fisher of the Oakland Athletics sit in the Athletics draft room, during the opening day of the 2019 MLB draft, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on June 3, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 3: General Manager David Forst, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Billy Beane and Managing Partner John Fisher of the Oakland Athletics sit in the Athletics draft room, during the opening day of the 2019 MLB draft, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on June 3, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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It is seemingly a matter of time. Virtually every site that covers the Oakland A’s expects the team to purge anyone making a significant salary from their roster, starting what could be a lengthy rebuilding process. Bob Melvin’s exit, without any compensation at all, seemingly set the stage for what could be a painful offseason.

For the A’s, it is a purge that makes sense. Ownership is continually crying poverty, claiming that they cannot afford to spend on the major league roster due to their continued presence at the Coliseum. And yet, ownership has done everything possible to keep fans away from the ballpark in the 2022 season.

Oakland A’s eyeing 2026

It is clear that ownership is eyeing a new stadium, whether it be the Howard Terminal Project or in Las Vegas, before committing to anything resembling a viable payroll. However, even if the A’s waterfront ballpark or a new stadium in Las Vegas is approved, it will be years until the franchise actually plays a game there.

That may be what the A’s are looking at. By shedding the roster of their top talent, they could restock a farm system that is lacking top prospects outside of Tyler Soderstrom. It may not be a popular decision, especially with a core that is capable of contending if properly supplemented, but that is the direction the A’s appear destined to go.

And that path is geared towards that new ballpark. In theory, those prospects should be ready for the majors by the time the new stadium opens. The younger players on the roster now could receive extensions if ownership starts spending due to that new income source. Of course, nothing in their history shows a willingness to spend, but one can hope.

Next. Melvin takes shot at A's ownership. dark

The Oakland A’s expected salary purge could come with a timeline. The team may be looking to contend once more when the new stadium is ready.