The A’s didn’t whisper their intentions—they blasted them through a megaphone. JJ Bleday, the Opening Day center fielder for the past two seasons, has been designated for assignment after another up-and-down year that teased promise but delivered frustration. His defense cratered, the strikeouts spiked, and the bat never stabilized long enough to justify a $2.2 million arbitration tag. Instead, the club turned the page decisively, opening the door for defensive dynamo Denzel Clarke to take over center field duties in 2026. And just like that, a former top-10 pick becomes another cautionary tale of potential that never found a permanent home. But while one chapter ends, three far bigger ones begin. Braden Nett, Junior Perez, and Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang all lock in 40-man roster spots—three prospects whose very presence signals the franchise’s accelerating shift toward a long-term core. Nett brings strikeout electricity and real starter upside if the command sharpens. Perez has thunder in his bat and took a huge step forward in 2025. Zhuang quietly logged 145 innings with elite control and an above-average changeup. These aren’t filler picks. These are future pieces. And the A’s are letting the league know exactly who they’re building around. Join our LOCKED ON A'S INSIDERS texting community and chat with host Booney any time by clicking this link: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas. Booney provides one-on-ones, breaking news, show previews, A's breakdowns, and offseason updates. Try it FREE for 14 days! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas A’s DFA JJ Bleday, JJ Bleday designated for assignment, A’s roster moves, A’s 40-man roster, Rule 5 Draft protection, Braden Nett added, Junior Perez added, Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang added, A’s prospects, A’s news, A’s breaking news, A’s center field, Denzel Clarke, MLB DFA news, A’s offseason, A’s rebuild, A’s future core, Sutter Health Park, A’s outfield changes, A’s player development For your next listen, check out the Locked On MLB podcast. Get Sully’s take on MLB! He has it all covered every single day. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game. Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LO... Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #Athletics #LasVegasAthletics #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
