2012 Oakland Athletics

The 2012 Oakland Athletics overcame a 13-game deficit to win the AL West with a 94–68 record.

The Oakland Athletics' 2012 season was the organization's 45th in Oakland, California and the 112th in club history. The team finished with a final record of 94–68, claiming first place in the American League West and reaching the postseason for the first time since 2006.

Quick Facts

Record: 94–68
Closer: Grant Balfour

Lore & Background

After trailing the Texas Rangers by 13 games on June 30, the A's overcame a five-game deficit with nine days left to win the division on the final day of the season. The team led the league with 15 walk-off wins and had the second-lowest payroll in baseball at $59.5 million. They lost to the Detroit Tigers in five games in the Division Series.

Reader's Guide

Key offseason moves included trading pitchers Trevor Cahill and Gio González for prospects such as Jarrod Parker, Tommy Milone, Brad Peacock, Derek Norris, and Ryan Cook. Andrew Bailey was traded to Boston for Josh Reddick. The A's signed Cuban outfielder Yoenis Céspedes to a 4-year, $36 million deal, and also added veterans Jonny Gomes, Seth Smith, and Bartolo Colón. The team's young starters included Parker, Milone, and Peacock; key hitters included Céspedes, Reddick, and Coco Crisp.