A’s Continue Contract Talks on Additional Extensions

The Athletics made headlines with a franchise-record extension for Tyler Soderstrom. They hinted that more deals might follow soon.

Oakland’s front office looks determined to lock up young talent before the new ballpark opens in 2028. It feels like a real shift—maybe even overdue—toward planning for a future where their best players actually stick around.

A Franchise-Altering Extension for Tyler Soderstrom

The A’s just handed left fielder Tyler Soderstrom a seven-year, $86 million contract. That’s their biggest deal ever, by a long shot.

After signing Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler to multi-year deals last winter, this move really signals a change for a team that’s always pinched pennies. General manager David Forst says they want to spot homegrown talent early and lock it in before arbitration and free agency send the price soaring.

Soderstrom’s entering his prime. Now Oakland has a big bat locked up for years, and that’s not something fans are used to seeing.

Why the Timing Matters

This extension isn’t just about Soderstrom. It’s about optics, too.

With a new stadium on the way, the A’s want to show fans and players they care about stability and winning. You can’t blame them—people want to see a plan, not just another rebuild.

Shea Langeliers: The Next Logical Candidate

Catcher Shea Langeliers seems like the obvious choice for the next extension. He’s got three arbitration years left and should make around $5.1 million next season.

If his power sticks, that number could jump to $20–25 million over the next few years. Recent contracts for catchers—like Sean Murphy’s six-year, $73 million or Cal Raleigh’s five-year, $99.4 million—set the bar for what Langeliers might ask for.

Cost Versus Control

For Oakland, it’s a gamble. Commit early and maybe save a fortune—if Langeliers keeps producing.

Jacob Wilson’s Rising Value

Shortstop Jacob Wilson is a trickier case. He’s under club control for five more years, and his rookie season showed off elite contact and solid defense.

Some executives think Wilson could land a nine-figure deal if he keeps this up. That would blow past the $65 million range for recent infielders.

A Bet on a Cornerstone Player

Extending Wilson now means betting he’ll keep anchoring the infield and stay consistent at the plate. That’s a lot to ask, but sometimes you have to take a shot.

Nick Kurtz: The Most Expensive Puzzle

Nick Kurtz might be the toughest decision of all. He’s under control for five more years and already looks like an elite hitter.

The A’s gave him a $7 million draft bonus, so he’s not coming cheap. As an Excel Sports Management client, Kurtz could easily command a deal bigger than Soderstrom’s if Oakland tries to buy out free-agent years.

High Risk, High Reward

Kurtz is the real test of how far the A’s will go. Will they stretch the budget for a potential superstar? That’s the big question, and honestly, nobody’s sure yet.

Other Names and the Bigger Picture

Beyond the headliners, players like Denzel Clarke and Luis Morales have popped up as possible extension candidates.

These deals would probably cost less, but there’s a lot more uncertainty since they haven’t spent much time in the big leagues.

The Athletics seem set on building a young, affordable core that can develop with their new stadium—one extension at a time.

 
Here is the source article for this story: A’s Have “Ongoing Conversations” On More Potential Extensions