The Athletics are nearing a decision on their long-term home in the city of Las Vegas. Once finalized, they are expected to pursue pitching upgrades to complement their strong young lineup.
For now, the A’s are unlikely to invest heavily in rental starters at the trade deadline. They may consider acquiring younger, long-term options if available. This is especially likely as their future plans revolve around Las Vegas. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly has linked the Athletics to Kansas City Royals All-Star pitcher Cole Ragans, who has a 3.76 ERA. Acquiring Ragans could be a strategic move for the A’s.
“If healthy, Cole Ragans could be an interesting piece to target and try to get back on track,” Kelly writes. “He’s shown ace form in the past for the Royals, and can’t become a free agent until after the 2028 season.”
The Athletics Plan
With the Athletics expected to debut in Las Vegas in 2028, acquiring a pitcher like Ragans aligns well with their long-term plans. He is under team control through that year.
Ragans is currently on the injured list and recently experienced a setback. This setback caused him to miss additional time with an elbow injury. Moreover, Las Vegas fans will want to follow his recovery closely.
If Ragans returns to health and the Royals continue to struggle with their 22-32 record, the A’s could pursue a trade for him regardless of their AL West position. As the Athletics prepare for their future in Las Vegas, moves like this could be pivotal.
Ragans is 28 years old and under club control through 2028. He holds a 3.76 career ERA. He also posted an impressive 3.14 ERA in 2023 with Kansas City. This timeline fits perfectly with the Athletics’ Las Vegas transition.
After an injury-shortened 2025 season with a 4.67 ERA, Ragans has a 4.84 ERA in eight starts in 2026. While there is some risk, his potential upside makes him a worthwhile consideration for the Athletics. They are gearing up for Las Vegas.
Given Ragans’ injury history, acquiring him may not require a significant investment. The Athletics could pursue a high-risk, high-reward trade with the Royals to secure a potential long-term left-handed ace through 2028—a timeframe that matches their anticipated Las Vegas debut.
Eric Butler is a Contributor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on Instagram and X via @ReportandOpine
