UPDATE: Athletics General Manager David Forst has officially signed a new contract, ensuring his continued leadership through the 2026 season. This announcement comes as the team navigates significant transition while preparing for a planned relocation to Las Vegas in 2028.
During an end-of-season video call on Tuesday, Forst confirmed, “I will be back in 2026,” as the A’s aim to build a stronger team after finishing this season with a record of 76-86. This marks an improvement over their previous season, where they ended at 69-93 in their last year in Oakland.
Forst, who has been with the A’s organization since 2000 and has served as GM since 2015, expressed optimism about the team’s future. “We had a lot of success to be very proud of in 2025,” he remarked, highlighting the club’s positive trajectory in their new home of West Sacramento, California.
The Athletics are currently working to establish a competitive roster, focusing on locking in players with longer contracts as they prepare for the eventual move to Las Vegas. Forst stated he has maintained regular discussions with ownership about this strategic approach, emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation for the franchise.
The backdrop of this announcement includes a tumultuous year for the team, characterized by passionate fan reactions. Last season saw vocal protests from Oakland fans, with chants of “Sell the team!” echoing through the stands as they expressed their discontent over the relocation plans. The former home, the Oakland Coliseum, witnessed reverse boycotts, drawing tens of thousands of supporters in a last-ditch effort to rally around the team.
As Forst looks toward the future, he remains hopeful about the talent in the system. “I’m as optimistic about this team, this organization, this system, and the talent in the system as I have been in a long time,” he asserted, signaling a commitment to revitalizing the franchise amid ongoing changes.
The Athletics will also be featuring “Sacramento” on their alternate jerseys in 2026, further solidifying their identity in their temporary home. Fans and players alike are eager to see how these developments will manifest as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
With Forst at the helm, the Athletics are positioned to make significant strides in the coming years. Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold.
