The American League West is off to a rocky start, and for Yankees fans who’ve seen plenty of this division in 2026, the early returns are a mixed bag. Let’s break down who’s surprising, who’s struggling, and who’s just treading water as we close out April.

First up, the team nobody expected to lead the pack: the Sacramento Athletics. Yes, you read that right. Despite a roster in flux and relocation drama, the A’s hold the third-best record in the American League. But let’s be honest—that says more about the Junior Circuit’s overall struggles than Sacramento’s dominance. Still, they’ve earned their spot with series wins over the Yankees, Mariners, and Rangers.

Offensively, the A’s were supposed to be a sneaky powerhouse, but they’ve been slightly below average so far. The bright spots? Shea Langeliers has been the AL’s best catcher in April, posting a 165 wRC+ over 30 games. And then there’s Carlos Cortes, the former Mets prospect who’s hitting an eye-popping .391 with a 210 wRC+ in 78 plate appearances. Queens might be regretting letting him walk in minor league free agency.

But it’s not all sunshine. Nick Kurtz has been slow out of the gate, Jacob Wilson is underwhelming with an 85 wRC+, and both Lawrence Butler (51 wRC+) and Brent Rooker (now on the IL) have been downright dreadful. The pitching staff is a mixed bag too: J.T. Ginn, Aaron Civale, and Jeffrey Springs have been solid, while old friend Luis Severino has been inconsistent. Jacob Lopez is the weak link, with peripherals that match his high ERA. Meanwhile, Hogan Harris has been a bullpen workhorse, appearing in 17 games and carrying a heavy load.

Bottom line: The AL West is wide open, and the A’s are making the most of it. But if their bats don’t wake up soon, this early lead could vanish faster than a fastball down the middle.