The Oakland Athletics have been active in the minor league free-agent market, signing several players with big league experience who may contribute in 2026. General manager David Forst highlighted the team's track record of providing opportunities to these players. Key additions include pitcher Nick Anderson and infielder Michael Stefanic.
The Athletics' offseason has been subdued in major league transactions, limited mainly to a one-year deal for reliever Mark Leiter Jr. In contrast, the club has pursued minor league signings aggressively over recent months. This approach aligns with past successes, such as right-hander Tyler Ferguson and outfielder Carlos Cortes, who are set for prominent roles in the upcoming season.
David Forst, the team's general manager, emphasized this strategy. “We’ve been very active in that market,” he said. “Our group puts in a lot of time because I think we know how important guys in that position are for us during the year. One thing we do offer is opportunity. We have a really good track record of getting those guys to the big leagues, and not just for a day or two. Guys like Tyler Ferguson and [Michel] Otañez. Giving guys real opportunity to stick in the big leagues. That has served us well when we go out into the Minor League free-agent market and try to sell ourselves to players.”
Among the notable signings is right-hander Nick Anderson, 35, who posted a career 3.43 ERA over 177 major league games across six seasons. His 2025 performance was uneven, with a 5.26 ERA in 38 triple-A appearances and 6.14 ERA in 12 games for the Rockies. However, earlier years showed promise, including a 3.06 ERA in 2023 with the Braves and a 2.77 ERA from 2019-20 with the Marlins and Rays. Anderson's fastball reached the mid-90s last season, positioning him for a bullpen competition in spring training.
Infielder Michael Stefanic brings versatility at second and third base, positions where the A's have openings. In 2025 triple-A with Buffalo, he hit .287 with a .786 OPS, including six home runs and 51 RBIs over 106 games. His major league stints with the Angels and Blue Jays were limited, batting .182 in nine games last year. A career .323 hitter in the minors since signing as an undrafted free agent with the Angels in 2018, Stefanic offers contact skills and depth.
First baseman and outfielder Joey Meneses, who hit .274 with 29 home runs in parts of three seasons with the Nationals from 2022-24, spent 2025 in triple-A with Syracuse, posting a .769 OPS. While first base and left field are occupied by Nick Kurtz and Tyler Soderstrom, Meneses could excel in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League at triple-A Las Vegas and earn a call-up if needed.
