Athletics End Tenure of GM David Forst Amid Las Vegas Relocation

On August 7, 2026, the Oakland Athletics announced that general manager David Forst and the club had “mutually agreed to part ways.” Assistant general manager Dan Feinstein was named interim GM for the remainder of the 2026 season while the organization begins a search for a permanent replacement. The decision comes as the franchise continues its transition from West Sacramento to a new ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip, slated to open for the 2028 season.

Newsweek

David Forst joined the Athletics as a scout in 2000, became assistant GM in 2004, and was promoted to general manager after the 2015 season. Over 27 years with the club, Forst oversaw three consecutive playoff appearances (2018-2020) and an AL West title in 2020, but also presided over a roster “teardown” as ownership reduced payroll ahead of the move. Reports indicate that Forst and his family did not wish to relocate to Las Vegas, a factor cited by multiple outlets.

Heavy

• 2026 record: 45-70, fourth in the AL West, 13.5 games behind the Houston Astros.

Athletics, GM Forst mutually agree to part ways

• Run differential: -157.

Athletics fire general manager David Forst amid dreadful season

• Projected year-end payroll: $96.3 million, the fifth-lowest in MLB.

Bleacher Report

• Postseason under Forst: three appearances (2018-2020) with one AL Division Series win.

Bleacher Report

• Overall GM tenure record: 760-855.

Sacramento Bee

The club’s press release confirmed Feinstein’s interim appointment and the launch of a search for a new general manager.

Sacramento Bee

While the Athletics’ official communication framed the departure as a mutual agreement, several media outlets—including *The Athletic* and *NBC Sports Bay Area*—reported that the move was effectively a firing, citing unnamed sources. Some reports noted that Forst’s reluctance to relocate may have influenced the decision, but the club has not publicly confirmed that factor. No detailed terms of Forst’s contract or the search timeline have been disclosed.

General manager David Forst out as Athletics general manager – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

• “It was truly an honor to spend the last 27 years with the A’s, especially the last 11 as the GM,” — David Forst

Newsweek

• “Obviously, it’s a tough day. David and I (go) back,” — Mark Kotsay

Sacramento Bee

Dan Feinstein will steer the Athletics through the remainder of the 2026 season while ownership conducts a “comprehensive search” for a permanent GM. The franchise remains on schedule to debut its Las Vegas ballpark for the 2028 season. The new GM will inherit a roster of young, controllable talent—including recent extensions for Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson, Tyler Soderstrom, and Brent Rooker—and the challenge of rebuilding a competitive payroll in a market poised for relocation.

ESPN