Forst began his career with the Athletics in 2000, serving in various roles including scouting and player development. He was promoted to Assistant General Manager in 2004, working closely with Billy Beane, the team's GM at the time. Forst was instrumental in implementing the "Moneyball" strategy, a data-driven approach to player acquisition and development that has since been adopted by many other teams.
In 2015, Forst was promoted to General Manager, with Beane moving up to Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. As GM, Forst has been responsible for all baseball operations, including player acquisitions, contract negotiations, and overseeing the team's minor league system.
Under Forst's leadership, the Athletics have consistently been competitive despite operating with one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball. The team has made multiple playoff appearances, including consecutive appearances from 2018 to 2020. Forst's ability to identify undervalued talent and build a competitive team on a limited budget has earned him recognition as one of the top executives in the sport.
Forst's tenure as GM has also been marked by a commitment to player development. He has overseen the growth of a strong farm system, with several top prospects making their way to the major leagues. This focus on homegrown talent has allowed the Athletics to maintain a high level of performance despite their financial constraints.
In addition to his work with the Athletics, Forst has also been involved in various baseball committees and initiatives. He has served on the Major League Baseball's Competition Committee and has been a strong advocate for the use of advanced analytics in baseball.
Despite the challenges of operating with a small-market team, Forst has proven himself to be an innovative and effective leader. His strategic approach to player acquisition and development, combined with his commitment to analytics, has helped the Oakland Athletics remain competitive in a sport often dominated by teams with larger budgets. His career serves as a testament to the impact of smart management and strategic thinking in baseball.
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