After disabling the reply option on their social media posts, the Oakland Athletics have come under fire from fans and MLB analysts. The move, which occurred after the team made their first offseason signing, has raised concerns about the franchise’s communication with its supporters. The Athletics recently signed right-handed pitcher Trevor Gott, but the team’s Twitter post about the acquisition lacks the ability for fans to engage through replies. This decision by the team has sparked controversy and one MLB analyst believes it is detrimental to the entire sport.
The Oakland Athletics are currently in a state of turmoil, facing the potential move of the franchise to Las Vegas. Owner John Fisher’s plans to uproot the team have caused resentment among fans since the news broke earlier this year. While the move is still pending approval from the rest of the MLB, the uncertainty surrounding the franchise has created a tense atmosphere that is unlikely to dissipate until a resolution is reached.
Last season, the Athletics had the worst record in the MLB, and it appears they are not taking significant steps to remedy their performance until broader issues are addressed. However, this approach has left many fans in Oakland feeling disgruntled, as they are now unable to interact with players on the team’s social media platforms.
During an episode of the popular show Foul Territory, Erik Kratz expressed sympathy for the fans and agreed that this sort of attitude from a team is detrimental to the sport as a whole, stating, You are hurting the whole brand of baseball.
The expectations for the Oakland Athletics in this year’s MLB trade market may not be particularly high, but the team has made their first addition to the roster. Trevor Gott, a right-handed pitcher who played for both the Seattle Mariners and the New York Mets during the 2023 season, secured a few appearances. After becoming a free agent at the season’s end, Gott inked a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Athletics.
Despite the Athletics’ current state and limited role in the trade market, the decision to disable the reply option on social media posts has created significant backlash. Fans and analysts alike are concerned that this move deprives supporters of the opportunity to engage with players and impacts the perception of the MLB as a whole. As the franchise navigates through uncertainty and turmoil, the controversy surrounding their social media approach only adds fuel to the fire.
