The Oakland Athletics are making moves to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2026 season, despite a cautious approach to spending this offseason. Following the departure of pitcher Mason Miller to the San Diego Padres during the MLB trade deadline, the team is eager to fill the gaps in their bullpen.
According to Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic, the Athletics have secured a deal with reliever Mark Leiter Jr., a seasoned player with experience in both the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees organizations. Leiter, who stands out not only for his skills on the mound but also for his notable family legacy in baseball, will look to make an impact in Oakland.
In the 2025 season, Leiter appeared in 59 games for the Yankees, concluding the year with a 4.84 ERA. Over 48.1 innings, he struck out 54 batters while allowing 17 walks. His tenure with the Yankees included a challenging regular season but an impressive postseason, where he recorded a 1.69 ERA across six appearances, showcasing his potential in high-pressure situations.
At 34 years old, Leiter is set to enter his seventh MLB season with the Athletics. He made his debut in 2017 with the Phillies and has since had a varied career, including stints with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Chicago Cubs before joining the Yankees. The young player hails from a family deeply entrenched in baseball, being the son of Mark Leiter, the nephew of Al Leiter, and the cousin of Jack Leiter, further emphasizing the significance of his new chapter with the Athletics.
This signing not only adds depth to the A’s roster but also brings a player with a wealth of experience and a connection to the rich history of baseball in his family. The Athletics are looking to build a competitive team and hope that Leiter’s talent and family legacy will contribute to their success in the upcoming season.