The Athletics announced the mutual departure of general manager David Forst on Friday, with assistant general manager Dan Feinstein assuming interim control for the remainder of the 2026 season. The organization will conduct a comprehensive search for a new general manager.
Forst’s tenure ended following a difficult stretch that overshadowed early promise. The A’s began the season strongly, holding first place in the AL West through much of April and May, and maintained playoff position at 38-38 on June 19. However, the team subsequently posted an MLB-worst 7-32 record, placing them among baseball’s poorest performers. Despite controlling the third-worst record overall, the A’s made limited moves at the trade deadline.
Forst, 50, spent his entire front-office career with the franchise, beginning as a scout in 2000 before advancing to assistant general manager in 2004 and general manager in 2015. He oversaw a significant roster reconstruction following competitive years from 2018-2020 and an 86-win season in 2021, as ownership prioritized a teardown before the franchise’s relocation.
The incoming general manager will face substantial challenges as the A’s continue their transition. The team currently plays in Sacramento following their 2024 departure from Oakland and awaits a move to Las Vegas, with a new ballpark scheduled to open in 2028. Critical decisions involve contract negotiations with young star slugger Kurtz, addressing historically low payroll levels, bolstering the pitching roster, and managing expectations for a new facility that may prove hitter-friendly due to its location and design specifications.
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