Athletics Fire GM David Forst: What's Next for A's?

The Oakland Athletics have parted ways with longtime general manager David Forst, the team announced on August 7, ending a 27-year tenure that included three straight playoff appearances from 2018 to 2020. The move, described by owner John Fisher as a "mutual agreement," was reported by The Athletic as a firing. Assistant GM Dan Feinstein has been named interim GM as the organization begins a comprehensive search for a permanent replacement.

The Forst Era Ends

Forst joined the Athletics as a scout in 2000, became assistant GM in 2004, and was promoted to GM in 2015 when Billy Beane stepped into an executive VP role. Under Forst, the A's returned to the postseason from 2018 to 2020, winning 97 games each in 2018 and 2019. However, the franchise declined sharply after 2021, trading stars like Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, and Sean Murphy. The team lost 100 games in 2022 and a franchise-worst 112 games in 2023, improving modestly to 77 wins in 2024 and 72 in 2025. This season, the A's are 45-70, having lost 10 consecutive series and winning just five games since June 26. Oakland Athletics rebuild timeline has been marked by payroll slashing and a focus on young talent.

Why Now?

Multiple factors contributed to the decision. The club's pitching staff has been abysmal, ranking 29th in MLB with a 5.44 ERA. Despite encouraging signs from position players like Brent Rooker, Lawrence Butler, and Tyler Soderstrom—all signed to extensions—the rotation and bullpen have failed to develop. Additionally, Forst reportedly had no interest in relocating to Las Vegas when the team moves into its new stadium in 2028. The Athletics Las Vegas stadium plan has been a contentious issue, and the front office needs leadership fully committed to the transition. Owner John Fisher praised Forst in a statement, calling him "an integral part of our success for nearly three decades," while Forst said it was "an honor" to serve the organization.

Interim GM Dan Feinstein Steps In

Feinstein, a longtime assistant, will guide the team through the remainder of the season. He faces immediate challenges: improving the pitching infrastructure, deciding on trade candidates, and maintaining clubhouse morale. The A's are on pace for a fifth straight losing campaign, but Feinstein inherits a farm system ranked in the middle of the pack, with top prospects like 2026 first-round pick Jaxon Burress making his pro debut.

Bright Spots Amid the Gloom

Not all is bleak. Shortstop Jacob Wilson set a major league record on August 10 with his 111th consecutive errorless game, surpassing Mike Bordick's 2002 mark. Wilson, who signed a seven-year, $70 million extension before the season, has become the face of the franchise's defensive identity. His Jacob Wilson defensive record is a rare highlight in an otherwise difficult year. The 24-year-old continues to make contact at an elite rate, striking out in fewer than 10% of his plate appearances.

Additionally, the A's recently claimed left-hander Drew Rom off waivers from Milwaukee and signed right-hander Matt Sauer to a minor league deal, signaling small moves to address pitching depth. Zack Gelof returned from the injured list with a dramatic home run, and the team rallied to win a series in Boston—snapping a 12-series losing streak.

What This Means for the Future

The firing signals that ownership is impatient with the slow rebuild. The new GM will need to address the pitching crisis, attract free agents to a team playing in a minor league park in Sacramento, and lay the groundwork for the move to Las Vegas. The payroll is expected to remain low until the new stadium opens, but the organization cannot afford to alienate its dwindling fan base. As the MLB relocation and expansion era approaches, the Athletics' next hire will be one of the most consequential in franchise history.

FAQ

Why did the Athletics fire David Forst?

The Athletics cited a need for a new direction amid a fifth straight losing season and Forst's reluctance to relocate to Las Vegas. The team has a 5.44 ERA and is 45-70 this year.

Who is the new Athletics GM?

Assistant GM Dan Feinstein is serving as interim GM. A comprehensive search is underway for a permanent replacement.

What is Jacob Wilson's record?

Jacob Wilson set an MLB record with 111 consecutive errorless games at shortstop, breaking Mike Bordick's 2002 record.

When will the Athletics move to Las Vegas?

The team plans to move into a new stadium in Las Vegas for the 2028 season. They are currently playing in West Sacramento.

How did David Forst perform as Athletics GM?

Forst oversaw three straight playoff teams (2018-2020) but the club declined sharply after 2021, losing 100+ games twice and posting a franchise-record 112 losses in 2023.