The 2020 Oakland A’s were already good. Their 22-10 mark is the best in the American League, and they have the track record to back it up coming off two straight 97-win seasons. They were already a real, legitimate title contender.
But even the best teams have weaknesses, even if those flaws aren’t costing them piles of games in the regular season standings. For example, the A’s starting rotation is holding its own but could be better. Maybe it could win a championship in its current form, especially if the bullpen stays hot, but its odds would go up with an established ace on top.