The Oakland Athletics have announced a three-year marketing partnership with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), designating Las Vegas as their "Official Travel Destination Partner." This collaboration, which prepares the club for its move to Southern Nevada in 2028, will see the A's debut a "Las Vegas" patch on their sleeves for all home, road, and alternate jerseys starting on Opening Day, March 27, against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park. A’s owner John Fisher highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “This is a chance to wear our hearts on our sleeves for the next three years before bringing the vibrant spirit of our new home front and center across our uniform.”
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Steve Hill, CEO and president of the LVCVA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that "Las Vegas will be in the spotlight during every A’s game over the next three years." He emphasized that the patch serves as a constant reminder of Major League Baseball's impending arrival in Las Vegas and reinforces the city as a world-class sports destination. The A's and LVCVA will collaborate on various marketing initiatives to bring the Las Vegas experience to fans both at the ballpark and online, offering exclusive content, promotions, and events that provide a sneak peek at what awaits baseball fans in Las Vegas.

The Oakland Athletics have reached an agreement with right fielder Lawrence Butler on a seven-year, $65.5 million extension, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. The contract includes a club option for an eighth season, effectively securing Butler's services for at least two free agent years, with the option covering a potential third free agent year. The signing, which is pending a physical, has yet to be officially announced by the team. Butler, who is represented by CAA Sports, is set to continue his journey with the Athletics for the foreseeable future.
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Drafted in the sixth round out of high school in 2018, Butler faced challenges during his initial minor league seasons. However, his performance took a positive turn in Low-A in 2021, and he steadily progressed through the ranks. Butler made his major league debut in 2023, posting a .211 batting average over his first 42 games. Despite a slow start last year, Butler's impressive second half showcased his potential and earned him this substantial extension with the A's. The team is optimistic that Butler will continue to develop and make significant contributions in the years to come.

The Oakland Athletics have appointed Marc Badain as their new president, signaling a significant step in their relocation to Las Vegas. Badain, renowned for his tenure as president of the NFL's Raiders during their move to Las Vegas and the opening of Allegiant Stadium, brings a wealth of experience in navigating complex sports franchise transitions. He succeeds Dave Kaval, who resigned in December, with Sandy Dean, the interim president, now transitioning to the role of vice chairman. Athletics owner John Fisher emphasized Badain's expertise in transformative projects and his commitment to the community as crucial assets for the team's future in Southern Nevada.

​Badain's appointment underscores the Athletics' focus on a smooth and successful relocation. His proven track record with the Raiders' move to Las Vegas provides a strong foundation for managing the challenges and opportunities associated with the Athletics' own transition. The team anticipates leveraging Badain's leadership to build a robust and thriving presence in their new home. His experience in stadium development and community engagement is expected to play a key role in shaping the Athletics' identity and fostering a strong connection with the Las Vegas fanbase.

The Oakland Athletics have shut down left-hander Brady Basso with a shoulder strain, interrupting what had been a strong spring training for the 27-year-old pitcher. Basso, who made his Oakland debut last season, had been vying for a spot on the big league roster. In his seven appearances for the A’s, he posted a 1-1 record with a 4.03 ERA and had not allowed a run over 4 1/2 innings this spring. The team announced the injury prior to their spring training game against Texas and stated there is no timeline for his return.
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In other injury updates, left-hander Ken Waldichuk has resumed throwing in the bullpen as he recovers from Tommy John surgery performed last May, with an estimated 13-month recovery period. Additionally, third baseman Brett Harris is dealing with a strained left oblique. Harris hit .146 in 36 games for the A’s last season. The team remains cautious with their injured players as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Oakland A's are keeping their options open when it comes to utilizing Tyler Soderstrom as a backup catcher, as revealed by manager Mark Kotsay to Martín Gallegos ofMLB.com.The former first-round pick recently started behind the plate in a spring training game against Seattle, showcasing his potential for the role. Kotsay emphasized the importance of maintaining Soderstrom's catching skills, stating, "It gives us an opportunity to have a player that provides maybe a role for us that would allow maybe another bench spot." With Shea Langeliers set to be the starting catcher for the third consecutive season, having Soderstrom as a capable backup would provide the team with valuable bench flexibility.

​If the team feels confident in Soderstrom's abilities behind the dish, he could take on the role of Langeliers' backup. Otherwise, the 23-year-old would be positioned as the primary first baseman. Soderstrom's versatility could prove to be a significant asset for the A's, allowing them to optimize their roster and make strategic decisions based on the needs of the game. As the spring training progresses, the team will continue to assess Soderstrom's performance and determine the best fit for his skills within the lineup.

The Oakland Athletics are entering a new and uncertain era after their unceremonious exit from Oakland. For the next few years, the A's will call a Triple-A stadium in West Sacramento home. This transition marks a significant shift for the franchise, as they navigate the challenges of playing in a smaller venue and away from their traditional fan base. The impact of this move on the team's performance and fan engagement remains to be seen, and it could set a precedent for other MLB teams facing similar situations in the future.
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What lies ahead in West Sacramento could have a domino effect on Major League Baseball's landscape. The A's relocation to a Triple-A stadium raises questions about the viability of such moves for other teams and the long-term implications for the league. As the Athletics adjust to their new home, the MLB will be closely watching how this experiment unfolds. The outcomes could influence future decisions regarding team relocations, stadium upgrades, and the overall structure of the league. The A's journey in West Sacramento will be a pivotal chapter in MLB's evolving story.