Before the season began, it was widely expected that the Athletics would mix and match in their bullpen while searching for a reliable closer. After losing Mason Miller last year, the team entered the season without a clear ninth-inning option and appeared ready to patch things together once again.
Veteran arms such as Mark Leiter Jr. were brought in to try to rediscover late-career success, while Hogan Harris remained in the mix. Still, the bullpen was viewed by many as a potential weakness, with uncertainty surrounding who would ultimately take control of the final innings.
However, savvy fantasy baseball managers kept an eye on Jack Perkins, a highly touted prospect with intriguing upside. While Perkins had previously struggled to go deep into games as a starter and dealt with injuries, his talent was never in question. Now, he is beginning to show why so many believed in his potential.
Perkins is quickly emerging as the Athletics’ go-to option in the ninth inning. He has recorded saves in each of his last three appearances, signaling a possible shift toward a more defined role at the back end of the bullpen. For a team still building toward the future, this could be an important development.
What makes Perkins especially interesting is his background as a starter. He brings a full arsenal of pitches, giving him the ability to attack hitters in multiple ways. Scouts have long pointed to his competitive, bulldog-like mentality — a trait that often translates well to high-pressure, late-inning situations.
For the Athletics, Perkins appears to be a natural fit as they continue to evaluate young talent and build for the years ahead. His emergence could provide much-needed stability in a bullpen that has been searching for answers.
For fantasy baseball players, the value is even more immediate. Closers are always in demand, and finding one on the waiver wire can be a difference-maker. With his recent performances and growing role, Perkins has quickly become a must-add option for anyone in need of saves.
While the Athletics may still be sorting things out, one thing is becoming clear — Jack Perkins could be the answer they’ve been looking for in the ninth inning.