In this episode of Locked On A’s, we dive head-first into the seismic roster moves the A’s made as the 2025 season ends and the 2026 campaign looms. We’ll break down the departures of catcher Willie MacIver and reliever Michel Otañez via waiver claims, explore the outrightings of Anthony Maldonado, Ben Bowden and Jared Shuster, and ask the hard question: is this savvy roster management or just another piece of the A’s austerity puzzle? We’ll examine MacIver’s Triple-A tear (a .362/.426/.541 line) versus his major‐league troubles (.186/.252/.324) to ask why the A’s didn’t stash him differently. Then we’ll dig into Otañez’s upside (upper-90s heat, 34 % strikeout rate) and downside (14 % walk rate, minor-league 6.05 ERA) to decide whether the A’s are dodging risk or sacrificing upside. Next, we widen the lens to the A’s bigger blueprint: clearing 40-man spots, repositioning for an offseason hunt for starting pitching, infield help at second and third, and perhaps most importantly a reliever with true closing experience. We’ll dig into the bullpen shuffles, the infield injury cloud over Zack Gelof and Brett Harris, and ask what the A’s are betting on internally (hello Darell Hernaiz) versus what they’ll need to bring in externally. It’s part roster update, part strategic breakdown, part wake-up call to A’s fans: the offseason is here, and the Desert Dynasty blueprint is moving fast. Willie MacIver, A’s catcher, Athletics roster moves, A’s offseason 2025, A’s 40-man roster, Athletics transactions, A’s catcher depth, Shea Langeliers, Austin Wynns, Willie MacIver claimed by Rangers, Willie MacIver waiver claim, A’s roster update, A’s news, Athletics rebuild, A’s free agency, Athletics offseason updates, Athletics player development, Vegas A’s, Desert Dynasty 2028, Locked On A’s, Booney Locked On A’s 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 nonwithdrawable 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.
