A’s Add Unexpected Pieces to Bullpen Mix
The Athletics’ roster is starting to take shape across the board, and their bullpen decisions have come with a bit of a surprise. According to MLB.com’s Martín Gallegos, Luis Medina and J.T. Ginn are expected to claim the final bullpen spots—an outcome that wasn’t widely anticipated.
Ginn’s inclusion stands out given his uneven spring. After an early surge, he struggled down the stretch, finishing 1-4 with a 10.20 ERA and 1.67 WHIP across six appearances (four starts). In 15 innings, he allowed 18 hits and seven walks while striking out 17. Despite the rough results, he showed promise with a strong strikeout rate and an ability to generate ground balls, though his command—highlighted by four hit batters—was inconsistent.
Roles for Ginn and Medina
Ginn is expected to fill a long-relief role, similar to how Mitch Spence was previously used before his departure. His knack for inducing ground balls could also make him a valuable option in key situations.
Medina, meanwhile, had long been projected as part of the bullpen. After missing all of 2025, he returned this spring showing impressive velocity, touching 99 mph. Manager Mark Kotsay had already been encouraged by his stuff during offseason sessions, and now further removed from Tommy John surgery, Medina will get his opportunity.
However, the 26-year-old faces added pressure—he’s out of minor league options, meaning the A’s must keep him on the major league roster or risk losing him via waivers. The plan appears to be giving him a chance early in the season to prove he belongs.
Notable Omission
While Ginn’s role makes sense, his selection is surprising mainly because many expected Jack Perkins to break camp as a reliever, potentially following a path similar to Mason Miller in recent years.
Instead, the A’s seem intent on keeping Perkins stretched out as a starting option. He’s likely to be among the team’s top depth pieces for the rotation, alongside prospects like Gage Jump.
That plan could evolve as the season progresses. Perkins may still shift into a bullpen role depending on team needs or his development, but for now, the A’s are prioritizing his readiness as a starter while finalizing a bullpen that includes a few unexpected names.
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