Mark McGwire Returns to Athletics as Special Assistant, Player Development

Mark McGwire is coming back to the Oakland Athletics as a special assistant for player development. He brings a legendary playing career and a ton of hitting knowledge to a franchise he helped define in the late ’80s and ’90s.

This move feels like a clear push to focus on Oakland’s next wave of talent. The club’s looking ahead, both on the field and as it eyes a fresh start in a new home market.

McGwire Returns to Oakland as Special Assistant for Player Development

McGwire’s new gig isn’t about coaching from the dugout. He’ll zero in on developing hitters and grooming future stars.

The A’s want his experience to help shape their young players as they work through a multi-year plan. That plan includes a move to Las Vegas in 2028.

Career Highlights: A’s Legend and Big-Season Power

It’s a real homecoming for McGwire, a guy who basically defined an era in Oakland and chased some wild power records later on.

He debuted with the A’s in 1986, then snagged AL Rookie of the Year in 1987 after launching 49 home runs. He helped Oakland reach three straight World Series from 1988–1990, including the 1989 championship that’s still a huge part of A’s history.

During his time with the Athletics, he racked up 363 home runs, 941 RBIs, and 1,157 hits. Eventually, the A’s traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1997.

• Crushed 70 homers with the Cardinals in 1998, breaking Roger Maris’ single-season record (Barry Bonds would top it later)
• Inducted into the A’s Hall of Fame in 2019
• Hall of Fame debates continue, thanks to the steroid-era controversies

Coaching and Legacy Beyond the Plate

After his playing days, McGwire took on several MLB coaching roles and influenced a new crop of hitters. He worked as the Cardinals hitting coach (2010–12), Dodgers hitting coach (2013–15), and Padres bench coach (2017–18).

He’ll draw on those experiences in Oakland, focusing on developing talent and helping players turn promise into results.

Oakland A’s Outlook: Talent Development and a New Era

The A’s are bracing for a big move, including a stop at a Triple-A ballpark in West Sacramento before their planned Las Vegas relocation in 2028.

Last season, the club finished 76–86. Still, there’s this growing buzz around a young core that just might thrive if the organization finds its footing and gives them the right support.

Young Core and Offseason Additions

Oakland’s next chapter leans heavily on a group of intriguing youngsters. There’s also a calculated offseason move bringing in a veteran with real impact.

• Nick Kurtz — a promising hitter. Fans will definitely keep an eye on his progress as he gets more regular at-bats.
• Jacob Wilson — he’s got that infield-right-hander mix. Maybe he becomes a versatile piece in the lineup, maybe not, but the potential’s there.
• Tyler Soderstrom — a highly touted prospect. The organization’s pretty focused on how his bat develops.
• Lawrence Butler — another young bat with upside. He might contribute sooner than most expect.
• Jeff McNeil — picked up in the offseason. The veteran presence should add balance to the lineup and gives a real-world benchmark for McGwire’s approach.

McGwire’s return isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s a deliberate move to build a culture of hitting excellence with Oakland’s young roster.

With a new home-market strategy, a solid group of young players, and McGwire’s mentorship, maybe this is the start of something big for the A’s.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Former Athletics first baseman Mark McGwire returns to the franchise as special assistant to player development