Athletics General Manager David Forst Steps Down After 27 Years with the Team

What Happened?

The Oakland Athletics (often called the A’s) announced on Friday that David Forst will no longer be their General Manager (GM). The team and Forst "mutually agreed to part ways" — which is a polite way of saying they both decided it was time for a change.

IMPORTANT POINT
A General Manager is the person in charge of building the baseball team — they decide which players to sign, trade, or let go. Think of them like the "team architect."

Who Is Taking Over For Now?

While the team searches for a permanent replacement, Dan Feinstein — who was the Assistant General Manager — will step in as Interim GM for the rest of the season.

What does "interim" mean?
It means temporary — he’s filling in until a long-term GM is hired.

A Look Back at Forst’s Time with the A’s

David Forst has been with the Athletics organization for 27 years — nearly three decades! Here’s a quick timeline:

1. 2000 – Forst joins the A’s front office (the team’s business/operations side)
2. 2015 – Promoted to General Manager
3. September 2024 – Signed a new contract for the 2025 season
4. June 2025 – Steps down as GM

IMPORTANT POINT
Forst was the GM for 11 seasons — from 2015 through 2025.

What Did the Team Owner Say?

John Fisher, the team’s owner and managing partner (the person who owns the franchise), had kind words for Forst:

“David has been an integral part of the A’s and our success for nearly three decades. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to this team have helped shape our baseball operations department and position us for the future. We are grateful for everything David has done for our organization.”

What Did Forst Say?

Forst also shared a heartfelt goodbye:

“It was truly an honor to spend the last 27 years with the A’s, especially the last 11 as the GM. This organization is full of incredibly talented, devoted, and good people, and I am lucky to have worked alongside them for so long.”

Why Now? The Big Picture

Here are a few key reasons this change might be happening:

• The team is struggling — The A’s are currently 45–70 (45 wins, 70 losses), near the bottom of the AL West (American League West division).
• A major move is coming — The team is planning to relocate to Las Vegas in 2028.
• Transition period — The club has been in a “transition” phase while preparing for the move.

IMPORTANT POINT
The Athletics have played in Oakland since 1968, but are preparing to become the Las Vegas Athletics in 2028.

Summary

• David Forst is out as GM after 27 years with the A’s, including 11 as General Manager.
• The split was mutual — both sides agreed.
• Dan Feinstein (Assistant GM) takes over as Interim GM for now.
• The team is searching for a permanent replacement.
• This comes during a tough season (45–70) and ahead of a planned move to Las Vegas in 2028.
• Both the owner and Forst praised each other warmly.

FAQ

What does a General Manager do in baseball?

The GM builds the roster — they sign players, make trades, oversee the minor leagues, and work with the manager (coach) to put a competitive team on the field.

What’s the difference between an Interim GM and a regular GM?

An Interim GM is temporary — they hold the job until a permanent person is hired. A regular GM has a long-term contract and full authority.

Why are the A’s moving to Las Vegas?

The team has struggled to get a new stadium built in Oakland. Las Vegas offered a publicly funded ballpark deal, and MLB owners approved the relocation for 2028.

Is Dan Feinstein likely to get the job permanently?

It’s possible! He knows the organization well as Assistant GM, but the team will likely interview outside candidates too.

How long was Forst the GM?

11 seasons — from 2015 through the 2025 season (though he stepped down mid-season).

This article is based on an Associated Press report from June 2025.