Mark Kotsay, the manager of the Oakland A’s, is unlikely to be in the running for the American League Manager of the Year award this offseason. The criteria for this accolade typically include leading a team to a winning record, something Kotsay’s A’s, with a current record of 62-82 as of Tuesday, are not expected to achieve. Despite this, Kotsay’s impact on the team is noteworthy for reasons beyond the win-loss column. The A’s are on the verge of avoiding a third consecutive 100-loss season, which is a significant achievement given the challenging circumstances surrounding the team.

Kotsay’s tenure with the A’s has been marked by complex and difficult situations that few managers have had to navigate. Last season, the A’s finished with a dismal record of 112 losses. Despite such a tough year, Kotsay received a one-year contract extension, a testament to the organization’s belief in his leadership and vision. Throughout this period, Kotsay’s ability to maintain a positive atmosphere within the clubhouse and keep his team engaged and motivated has been impressive.

One of the hallmarks of Kotsay’s management style is his approachability and the strong relationships he builds with his players. A’s closer Mason Miller has praised Kotsay for his positive energy and accessibility. “A lot of us consider him a friend as much as a manager,” Miller said. This sentiment is echoed by many within the team. Kotsay’s approachability and down-to-earth demeanor make him someone players feel comfortable with, and it fosters a supportive environment in which players can thrive.

JP Sears, another key player for the A’s, highlighted Kotsay’s ability to connect with his roster on a personal level. Sears shared how Kotsay actively participates in bullpen sessions and knows when to offer words of encouragement or provide space. This nuanced understanding of player needs is crucial for any manager, and it underscores Kotsay’s keen insight into team dynamics.

The importance of this personal touch is also evident in the experiences of Zack Gelof, the A’s second baseman. Gelof, who entered the season as a prominent figure in the A’s rebuilding efforts, faced struggles that tested his resolve. Kotsay’s transparent and supportive approach during Gelof’s difficult period has been instrumental. Gelof recounted a pivotal moment when Kotsay took the time to discuss a shift in his batting order and reassured him about his role in the organization. “He sat me down in his hotel room to talk about me moving down the order and how that doesn’t change the plans that they have for me in this organization,” Gelof said. This kind of communication and support is vital for young players trying to establish themselves, and Kotsay’s guidance has been invaluable.

The A’s roster is notably young, but it includes some veteran players who contribute leadership and experience. Left-hander T.J. McFarland is one such veteran who has felt Kotsay’s supportive presence. “He really cares for us, and you feel that when you go out there,” McFarland said. This care and concern for the well-being of players, coupled with Kotsay’s focus on their development, highlight his dual role as both a mentor and a manager.

Kotsay himself has acknowledged the dual nature of his responsibilities. While the ultimate measure of success for a manager is often the win-loss record, Kotsay has been candid about his investment in player development. Earlier in the season, he expressed a clear understanding of his role. “There’s no secret, the wins and losses will always be attached to me, but the success of those young players will also be attached to me. That’s where the joy and the reward come from,” he said. This statement reflects Kotsay’s broader vision for the team, focusing not just on immediate outcomes but on long-term growth and success.

When Kotsay took over as manager in 2022, the A’s were in a period of significant transition. The team had recently traded away several key players, including Matt Chapman, Matt Olson, Chris Bassitt, and Sean Manaea, with Frankie Montas also being on the trading block. Given the upheaval, it was clear that immediate success would be challenging. The focus was understandably on rebuilding and developing a new core of players.

Despite the challenging start, the work Kotsay has put in over the past three seasons is beginning to show positive results. Since the All-Star break, the A’s have a record of 25-21, and they’ve achieved back-to-back winning months in July and August. These improvements are a testament to the progress the team is making under Kotsay’s leadership. The team’s performance in the latter part of the season suggests that Kotsay’s strategies and management are starting to bear fruit.

Looking ahead, there is optimism that the A’s will become a competitive team as they transition to Sacramento. The planned move could provide a fresh start and a new environment conducive to success. If the A’s manage to become a playoff team during this period, Kotsay could very well be in contention for Manager of the Year honors. However, regardless of whether he receives this formal recognition, the respect and admiration from his players and the positive impact on the team’s development are significant achievements in their own right.

Mason Miller’s perspective encapsulates the essence of Kotsay’s influence. “Look around the game of baseball, or any sports game, a good coach, it’s impossible to quantify,” Miller said. The value of a manager like Kotsay, who is deeply invested in his players’ well-being and development, is challenging to measure purely in terms of wins and losses. His role extends beyond tactical decisions and game management to encompass mentorship, motivation, and fostering a positive team culture.

Zack Gelof’s experience further underscores Kotsay’s effectiveness. “I don’t know what I expected from a big league manager,” Gelof said, “but he fulfills everything that I feel like a big league manager should [be], especially with this group.” This sentiment reflects the high regard in which Kotsay is held by his players and highlights his successful navigation of the complexities of managing a team in transition.

However, while Mark Kotsay may not be a frontrunner for the Manager of the Year award this season, his contributions to the Oakland A’s are deserving of recognition and praise. His ability to maintain a positive and supportive environment amidst challenging circumstances, his dedication to player development, and his effective management of a young and evolving roster all speak to his capabilities as a manager. As the A’s look towards the future and their move to Sacramento, Kotsay’s impact on the team will likely continue to be felt, and his leadership will be a key factor in their ongoing development and success.