QUIET THREATS: What the A’s See in Colby Thomas and Carlos Cortes (And Why It Matters Now)

Colby Thomas and Carlos Cortes aren’t just names on a depth chart—they represent two very different paths the A’s are trying to balance right now. Thomas brings patience, power, and a modern offensive profile that fits how the league actually works in 2026. Cortes brings contact, versatility, and a grinder’s edge that managers quietly love. The question isn’t if they belong—it’s how they’re used, and whether the A’s are ready to commit to what each player does best instead of forcing them into tidy boxes.From there, the conversation expands. With Sutter Health Park playing smaller and louder for hitters, the A’s may not be able to build a pitching staff the way they used to. Stan and I break down what that means in plain English: more strike throwers, more ground balls, fewer “project” arms that need perfect conditions to survive. We wrap by looking ahead to spring training decisions that will quietly shape the season—bench roles, bullpen jobs, and positional logjams that don’t make headlines but absolutely decide wins and losses. This is roster construction season, whether teams admit it or not.A’s, Athletics, Colby Thomas, Carlos Cortes, A’s sleepers, A’s underdogs, A’s prospects, A’s lineup, A’s roster decisions, A’s spring training, Sacramento A’s, Sutter Health Park, A’s pitching strategy, A’s farm system, MLB sleepers, MLB underdogs, Athletics podcast, Locked On A’s, A’s depth, A’s 2026 seasonFollow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://https://lockedonpodcasts.com/shows/ Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-as/ Join the Everydayer Club today and get Locked on A’s with no interruptions, members-only Discord access, and more — all for just $5 a month or $50 a year. Go to https://lockedonas.supercast.com/ Did Locked On Locked on A’s make your Spotify Wrapped? Prove it on social media to secure a free month of our brand new Everydayer Club. Just tag our national Locked On Podcast Network account on any social platform, and we'll drop you a code. Be one of the first to join the Everydayer Club to get your favorite show ad-free and exclusive access to the members-only Discord channel. Join our LOCKED ON A'S INSIDERS texting community and chat with host Booney any time by clicking this link: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas. Booney provides one-on-ones, breaking news, show previews, A's breakdowns, and offseason updates. Try it FREE for 14 days! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonas Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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)  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.