The Athletics are within the midst of transition. The franchise was on tempo to equal the worst report in MLB historical past a 3rd of the best way by way of 2023. Their closing report that season was 50-102, they usually completed 23 video games under .500 in 2024. After the 2024 marketing campaign ended, the A’s left Oakland and moved to West Sacramento, the place they’re going to keep till the 2028 season. That is after they’ll formally make their transfer to Las Vegas.
Although the present location of the A’s will not final lengthy, the staff can have its greatest participant round for fairly some time.
The A’s and left fielder Tyler Soderstrom agreed to a seven-year, $86 million contract extension. There’s additionally a staff choice for an eighth season and efficiency escalators that max out at $131 million. It is the biggest contract in A’s franchise historical past.
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Soderstrom is just 24 years outdated and has performed only one full season within the main leagues, however he is carried out nicely over that span. He hit .276/.346/.474 in 2025, ending with 25 house runs and 93 RBIs. He switched to left discipline this season after initially taking part in catcher and first base, and proved to be an above-average defender along with his sturdy presence on the plate.
Regardless of the contract being a report when it comes to complete cash, it is really fairly affordable from a mean annual worth. Proper now, Soderstrom will make about $12.3 million per season. Even when he maxes out his deal, it’s going to be about $16.4 million per yr over eight seasons. And meaning Soderstrom will likely be delivering nice outcomes for the A’s.
For context, Juan Soto of the New York Mets has the best common annual worth in his contract at $51 million. The A’s divisional rival, the Los Angeles Angels, are actively making an attempt to get out of third baseman Anthony Rendon‘s contract, which has an common annual worth of $35 million.
The A’s final made the postseason in 2020, and final yr’s report of 76-86 was their greatest because the 2021 season. The staff is keen to spend to maintain its high expertise round; final offseason, the A’s set a then-franchise report with a $67 million contract for right-handed pitcher Luis Severino.
It will not be a protracted keep in Sacramento for the A’s. However with the best way they’re making progress, there might be a playoff look or two earlier than the transfer to Las Vegas.
