June 2, 2026 — The Oakland Athletics fell to the league’s lowest spot in the latest power‑rankings, a 12‑position plunge that dwarfs any other move this season. The numbers reveal a club crippled by injuries, a sputtering rotation and a defense that slid to a negative‑8 DRS rating.
Oakland Athletics entered the week with an 18‑24 record and a win‑percentage of .429, the worst among teams that have played at least 40 games. Their offensive output, measured by OPS+, sat at a league‑worst 92, while the pitching staff posted an ERA that sits in the bottom quartile of the AL.
How the Rankings Shifted for Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics were listed by CBS Sports as the biggest fallers, slipping from the middle of the pack in May to the cellar this week. The ranking was released by a panel of former players and analysts, and it highlighted the Athletics’ defensive runs saved dropping to –8 as a key metric. A front‑office source said the club is weighing a left‑handed reliever trade before the July 31 deadline.
What Did Other Teams Do in the Same Week?
Seattle Mariners vaulted into the top‑10, earning the title of biggest risers after a rotation that added 1.12 WAR since early May. The Mariners also trimmed their bullpen ERA by 0.45 points, a swing that helped them climb nine spots. Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates cracked the upper tier with winning streaks, and the San Diego Padres slipped three places after a bullpen ERA spike to 5.31.
Key Developments
- The Athletics’ win‑percentage fell to .429, the lowest among clubs with at least 40 games.
- Mariners’ surge was driven by a 1.12 WAR increase from their starting rotation since early May.
- White Sox entered the top‑10 after a seven‑game winning streak lifted their OPS+ to 112.
- Padres dropped three spots after a bullpen ERA spike to 5.31, the highest in the NL West.
- Defensive runs saved for Oakland slipped to –8, a factor cited by the ranking panel.
What This Means for Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics must shore up pitching depth and tighten defense if they hope to climb out of the cellar. The next series against the Texas Rangers will serve as a litmus test; a win could halt the slide, while another loss would cement a rebuilding narrative. The front office brass are reportedly eyeing trade options, and the young core—led by rookie outfielder JJ Hernandez—offers a glimmer of hope despite his .260 average.
Seattle Mariners, fresh off their rise, have turned their rotation into a war machine, posting a collective 3.45 ERA over the past two weeks. Their bullpen has also become more reliable, lowering its ERA by nearly half a run. The Mariners’ front office credited aggressive scouting and a willingness to flip veteran contracts for younger arms, a strategy that could reshape the AL West race.
Why did the Oakland Athletics fall so far in the rankings?
Injury‑laden pitching, a defense rated –8 DRS, and a league‑worst OPS+ of 92 combined to drive the steep drop.
How did the Mariners become the biggest risers?
Seattle’s rotation added 1.12 WAR since early May, and their bullpen trimmed its ERA by 0.45 points, catapulting them into the top‑10.
Can the Athletics still make the playoffs?
Mathematically, Oakland remains within reach but would need a 12‑game swing in the next 30 contests, a scenario analysts deem unlikely without major roster moves.
What impact could a left‑handed reliever trade have?
Acquiring a proven left‑hander could improve the A’s bullpen ERA by up to 0.30 runs, a shift that often translates into a few extra wins in the second half of the season.
How important is the upcoming series vs. Texas?
The Rangers series is a pivotal stretch; a three‑game sweep would lift the A’s win‑percentage above .450 and give the front office breathing room to explore longer‑term moves.
