The Oakland Athletics strengthened their pitching staff on Tuesday by officially signing veteran relievers Aaron Civale and Scott Barlow to one-year contracts. These moves come as part of the team’s effort to improve their bullpen and rotation for the upcoming season, with Civale expected to be a key part of the 2026 rotation alongside Luis Severino.
Details of the New Pitching Acquisitions
The Athletics announced the signings via their social media channels, confirming that right-handed pitchers Scott Barlow and Aaron Civale have joined the team on one-year deals. To clear space on the 40-man roster, the club designated right-handers Grant Holman and Mitch Spence for assignment.
Scott Barlow, 33, last pitched for the Cincinnati Reds in 2025. During that season, he appeared in 75 games and posted a 4.21 ERA with a 4.70 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP). Despite a relatively high walk rate of 10.8% over his career, Barlow maintains a strong strikeout rate of 27.6%, making him a valuable asset to the Athletics’ relief corps.
Aaron Civale’s Journey and Role with the Athletics
Aaron Civale, at 30 years old, has experienced a notable journey in Major League Baseball since leaving the Cleveland Guardians in 2023. Since then, Civale has played for five different teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, and most recently, the Chicago Cubs.
In his brief stint with the Cubs, Civale made five appearances, achieving a 1-0 record with a 2.08 ERA over 13 innings pitched. He also pitched once in the 2025 MLB postseason. Over his career, Civale has accumulated a 43-44 win-loss record with a 4.14 ERA and a 4.25 FIP, alongside a 1.209 WHIP in 140 appearances (135 starts) and 738.1 innings on the mound.
With his addition, Civale is expected to contribute significantly to the Athletics’ starting rotation heading into 2026, complementing the established presence of Luis Severino.
Impact on the Athletics’ Pitching Prospects
The signings of Scott Barlow and Aaron Civale signal the Athletics’ dedication to revitalizing their pitching staff with experienced arms capable of stabilizing both the bullpen and rotation. By releasing Grant Holman and Mitch Spence, the team is making space to accommodate these new additions, aiming to improve their competitive stance in the coming season.
As the Athletics prepare for 2026, Civale’s versatility and Barlow’s bullpen experience could play pivotal roles in the club’s efforts to contend in a challenging MLB landscape.
“The A’s have signed RHP Scott Barlow and RHP Aaron Civale to one-year deals. To clear spots on the 40-man roster, the A’s have designated RHP Grant Holman and RHP Mitch Spence for assignment,”
the Athletics announced on X, formerly Twitter.
The A's have signed RHP Scott Barlow and RHP Aaron Civale to one-year deals. To clear spots on the 40-man roster, the A’s have designated RHP Grant Holman and RHP Mitch Spence for assignment.
— A's Communications (@AthleticsPR) February 10, 2026
