Oakland didn’t make a notable addition this winter. Instead, the A’s are relying on their young core to make significant strides. A full season from Sean Manaea, Jesús Luzardo, A.J. Puk and Sean Murphy in 2020 – that might be even better than a big trade.

Marcus Semien is coming off an MVP-caliber season and is joined by a core of Ramon Laureano, Matt Chapman and Matt Olson. The Athletics have the rotation and lineup to compete for the AL West crown. If the bullpen can rebound this season or Oakland finds reinforcements, this is a darkhorse World Series contender.