The 1985 Oakland Athletics season was the 85th season for the Oakland Athletics franchise, all as members of the American League, and their 18th season in Oakland. The Athletics finished fifth in the American League West with a record of 77 wins and 85 losses. While the Athletics' on-field performance continued to disappoint, the debut of slugger Jose Canseco gave fans a measure of hope.
December 7, 1984: Ray Burris, Eric Barry (minors) and a player to be named later were traded by the Athletics to the Milwaukee Brewers for Don Sutton. The Athletics completed the deal by sending Ed Myers (minors) to the Brewers on March 25, 1985.[2]
April 15, 1985: Bob Owchinko was signed as a free agent with the Oakland Athletics.[6]
April 26, 1985: Bill Mooneyham was signed as a free agent by the Athletics.[7]
July 12, 1985: Tommy John was signed as a free agent by the Athletics.[8]
July 17, 1985: Bob Owchinko was purchased by the Chicago White Sox from the Oakland Athletics.[6]
September 10, 1985: Don Sutton was traded by the Athletics to the California Angels for players to be named later. The Angels completed the deal by sending Robert Sharpnack (minors) and Jerome Nelson (minors) to the Athletics on September 25.[3]