BOYS OF SUMMER: Baseball Is Back!

Spring training isn’t just warm-up baseball — it’s where seasons quietly get decided before most fans are even paying attention. This episode is built around that idea. The crew breaks down why the start of camp matters, even when the standings don’t, and why this particular spring feels different. There’s real optimism around this roster, but it’s the little battles that could shape the entire year — the fifth starter race, the third base situation, and a bullpen that could be electric or chaotic depending on who throws strikes. The conversation leans heavily into the future, spotlighting young arms like Jack Perkins, Gunnar Hoglund, and others who could quietly become major pieces if things click. There’s also honest talk about volatility — especially with relievers who can dominate one week and lose the zone the next. That tension is part of what makes this roster fascinating.The second half shifts into something fans actually need: what spring training is really like if you go in person. Not the brochure version — the real version. Relaxed vibe, hardcore baseball fans sitting next to first-timers, prospects wearing random jersey numbers trying to change their lives. It’s baseball in its purest form. The episode closes on what spring always represents: clean slate, zero losses, and the dangerous kind of hope that only baseball can sell you. The tone is clear — this isn’t just another spring. This is the foundation of what the next version of the A’s is going to look like.Locked On As, A's spring training preview, A's spring training battles 2026, A's roster competition breakdown, Jack Perkins A's analysis, Gunnar Hoglund A's outlook, A's fifth starter competition, A's third base battle Muncy Ibanez Harris, A's bullpen breakdown 2026, A's prospects spring training watch list, A's pitching depth analysis, A's roster projection opening day, A's spring training guide for fans, Mesa spring training experience A's, A's young core development 2026, A's season outlook 2026, Athletics roster battles spring training, A's podcast baseball is back episode, Locked On Podcast Network A's, A's spring training storylines to watchEverydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo Tax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #Athletics #LasVegasAthletics #MLB  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.