A’s Extend All-Star Shortstop Jacob Wilson for 7 Years, $70M

Oakland Athletics Secure Future with Jacob Wilson Mega-Deal Amidst Vegas Relocation

This article takes a look at the seven-year, $70 million contract extension the Oakland Athletics just handed to their young All-Star shortstop, Jacob Wilson. The move feels especially bold as the franchise pushes through its much-debated relocation to Las Vegas and tries to build a real future in the desert.

Wilson’s Rise: From Draft Pick to Franchise Cornerstone

Signing Jacob Wilson marks a major moment for the A’s. Even with all the drama about their home city, they’re doubling down on a long-term plan.

At only 23, Wilson has already carved out a big role, finishing second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. That’s no small feat.

A Star in the Making: Unpacking Wilson’s Rookie Season

Wilson’s rookie campaign was a blast to watch. He mixed excellent contact skills with more power than anyone expected.

He hit .311/.355/.444, belting 13 home runs and driving in 63 runs over 125 games. For a rookie shortstop, those numbers jump off the page.

People raved about his bat-to-ball skills. He spent weeks near the top of the AL batting average leaderboard and, maybe most impressively, struck out just 39 times in 523 plate appearances.

Some doubted his power, but putting up double-digit homers as a rookie pretty much answered that. He showed he can drive the ball when he needs to.

Wilson’s rise started right after Oakland picked him sixth overall in the 2023 draft out of Grand Canyon University. His dad, former big-leaguer Jack Wilson, coached him there.

Wilson skipped the long minor league grind, tearing through the system with a .393/.439/.601 slash line. He reached the majors barely a year after being drafted.

That’s not normal. It says a lot about how advanced his bat is.

Building a Young Core for the Desert

Locking up Wilson really shows the A’s want to build a foundation of young talent as they head for Vegas. He’s another big piece added to a core that’s already under team control.

Who Else is in the A’s Future Plans?

Oakland’s front office has also locked up several other young players through at least 2030—sometimes even longer. This group is supposed to be the future, and how they grow will matter a ton for the team’s Vegas chapter.

• Nick Kurtz: A promising prospect with a high ceiling.
• Brent Rooker: An established offensive threat who provides power.
• Tyler Soderstrom: A catcher/first baseman with significant offensive potential.
• Lawrence Butler: A toolsy outfielder whose athleticism could make him a difference-maker.

The A’s haven’t just relied on their own prospects, either. They traded for second baseman Jeff McNeil, adding a steady contact hitter and solid glove to the infield.

They also signed veteran reliever Mark Leiter Jr. to a one-year deal, hoping to patch up the bullpen for now. The vibe seems to be: let the bats lead while pitching prospects Jamie Arnold and Gage Jump get ready.

The Vegas Relocation and Financial Landscape

And then there’s the move. Owner John Fisher is pushing the controversial relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas.

The team plans a stop in Sacramento for three seasons before opening its new Vegas stadium in 2028.

Navigating the Transition: Payroll and Prospect Development

The Athletics are facing a huge challenge with their franchise relocation. Still, they’re projecting a 2024 payroll of about $90 million.

It’s not the highest in the league, but it’s not nothing either. They’ve put real money into Wilson and other young players, which hints at a genuine effort to stay competitive.

They’re leaning into internal talent development. At the same time, they’re eyeing smart free-agent signings and trades.

This all feels like part of a bigger plan to build a strong brand in their new home. Whether it works? That probably depends on how guys like Jacob Wilson and their top pitching prospects pan out.
 
Here is the source article for this story: Wilson, A’s reach agreement on 7-year extension