Athletics target deadline roster purge amid July collapse and lockout fears

Athletics prep veteran sell-off amid July winless streak.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 91 min read

What happened: The Athletics will clear expensive veteran contracts ahead of the August 3 trade deadline to create playing time for minor leaguers. The club has not won a game since July 1, prompting an initial roster overhaul that includes the release of Michael Kelly and the trade of Brett Harris to the Boston Red Sox.

Why it matters: The upcoming moves shift the organization's focus to the 2027 season during a period of league-wide labor uncertainty. A recent poll of 101 major league players revealed 80 respondents predict an ownership lockout at the end of the year.

By the numbers: The ongoing slump features a 6-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers and a series sweep by the Miami Marlins. In the labor poll, 79.2 percent of players surveyed expect a work stoppage, with only two offering a definitive no.

What to watch: Front office executives will navigate the MLB draft this weekend. Next week, Shea Langeliers and Nick Kurtz will represent the team as American League All-Star starters.

Sources

Yahoo MLB 2026-07-09T14:15:24.092227+00:00

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