Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has been indicted on corruption charges, raising questions about whether Major League Baseball (MLB) was aware of her alleged misconduct before it became public. In this episode, we explore the possibility that MLB insiders knew about the pay-to-play scheme involving Thao, her partner Andre Jones, and the Duong family, and whether this knowledge influenced the decision to relocate the A’s to Sacramento and eventually Las Vegas. We break down the timeline of events, the financial implications, and why MLB may have viewed Thao’s administration as a roadblock to keeping the team in Oakland.

We also dive into how this scandal impacts the A’s organization and their future, touching on the team's bullpen moves and offseason developments. With the 2025 season on the horizon, the A’s are poised to field one of the strongest bullpens in baseball, led by key additions like José Leclerc and returning stars such as Mason Miller. Despite the off-field drama, the team is focused on competing at a high level and preparing for their temporary stay in Sacramento.