Bold take: 2026 could be the breakout year for the A’s, and Jacob Wilson is at the center of that momentum. The 2025 All-Star and Athletics rookie shortstop joined The Matt & Kayla Show on Thursday to share his excitement for the 2026 MLB season, what he expects from the A’s, and the energy of a clubhouse buzzing with young talent.
“I think we all share the same goal: to go up there and play good baseball, and to see how many wins we can stack as the year unfolds, aiming to push farther in the postseason than last year,” Wilson said.
Last season, Oakland finished 76-86, capped by a brutal 1-20 stretch in late May into June. They missed the AL Wild Card by 11 games, leaving plenty of room for improvement in 2026. Still, the club’s young players turned heads and offered a glimpse of a brighter future.
Wilson finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, behind fellow Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz. When asked about the value of growing alongside other aspiring stars, he highlighted how the growing camaraderie helps the entire group.
“I think it helps a lot,” he told Matt & Kayla. “Being with the guys you share the field with, who you’ve built a real connection with in the clubhouse, makes a difference. A lot of them are close friends. When your team is that tight, it’s easier to go out every day and play the game you love.”
Wilson added that everyone benefits from the shared success and mutual improvement. “We all kind of feed off each other,” he said. “Seeing teammates excel motivates you to raise your own level, and that dynamic pushes us to get better throughout the year. It’s natural to play well when you’re surrounded by your brothers.”
Spring training is underway, and the A’s are gearing up for their second season at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. The ballpark’s hitter-friendly reputation bodes well for an offense-heavy squad.
“Us hitters are really excited to be back,” Wilson remarked about Sacramento. “As a hitter, you love a ballpark where the ball can fly out. It’s got a jet stream that can be frustrating for pitchers, but from a hitter’s perspective, it’s fantastic. We’re thrilled to represent the city again.”
For the full interview with Jacob Wilson, check the top of this page or Sactown Sports 1140’s YouTube channel. (https://www.youtube.com/@SactownSports1140)
Tune in to The Matt & Kayla Show, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday on Sactown Sports 1140. (https://sactownsports.com/)
If you’d like to dive deeper, you can access complete episodes here. (https://sactownsports.com/category/podcast_results/?i=2276&n=Allen+Stiles)
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- Athletics Announce 2026 Sacramento Promotional Schedule (https://sactownsports.com/mlb/athletics-baseball/2026-promotions/61586/)
- A glance at the Athletics’ roster as Spring Training begins (https://sactownsports.com/mlb/athletics-baseball/athletics-roster-sp/61743/)
Upcoming Athletics & MLB Offseason Schedule
- Mid-February – Pitchers & Catchers report for Spring Training
- Saturday, February 21 – @ Chicago White Sox (Spring Training Opener)
- Friday, March 27 – @ Toronto Blue Jays, 4:07 PM PT (Opening Day)
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