Dan O'Dowd warns Athletics about hiring Taylor Smith as operations head

The Oakland Athletics have hired Taylor Smith as president of baseball operations, making him the youngest in MLB at 31. Dan O'Dowd cautioned that Smith's success will depend on building a strong team around him to compensate for his inexperience. O'Dowd suggested promoting Billy Owens to GM to help ease the transition within the organization. Smith's leadership abilities could play a crucial role in shaping the team's future as they prepare for their 2028 move to Las Vegas. A decision on Mark Kotsay's managerial position for 2027 remains uncertain, yet players support him.

• 4:08 AMYahoo Sports — Dan O'Dowd Has Warning For A's After Taylor Smith Hire