LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Athletics have signed Tyler Soderstrom to a seven-year contract extension, making him the third A’s player in the last year to reach a long-term deal as the franchise builds for its future in Las Vegas.
“Our future is here in Vegas,” said Mark Kotsay, Athletics manager. “We have a time frame that we see in front of us with this group that can be really special.”
The young Athletics core showed promise throughout the 2025 season, highlighted by rookie shortstop Jacob Wilson and first baseman Nick Kurtz. Kurtz who earned both a Silver Slugger Award and AL Rookie of the Year.
Building toward 2028 ballpark opening
General Manager David Forst said he is looking to secure more long-term deals within this core group of players, similar to the Athletics’ deal with Soderstrom.
“The idea of taking this group of young players and locking them up into the new ballpark is something we’ve talked about for a long time,” Forst said. “We were able to get Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler signed last year and Tyler now and there are ongoing conversations with others. So this is kind of the blueprint for how we do this, how we want to open the ballpark in ’28.”
The A’s expect to generate success before arriving in Vegas in two years, with the goal of being a winning team by the time they reach their new home on the Strip.
“It’s my job to get us to win and win prior to us getting to this ballpark is the expectation,” Kotsay said. “And I think you’re seeing David put this together on a daily basis to give us that chance.”
Team chemistry drives success
The roster has developed chemistry as many players developed through the Athletics farm system together.
“We’re a really tight knit group,” said Tyler Soderstrom, Athletics left fielder. “We went through the minor leagues together and now we’re all together in the big leagues so it’s super special to be sharing the field with them. We’re really excited for the next steps in this organization together. Hopefully we can bring a lot of rings and winning to Vegas for sure.”
Soderstrom signed a seven-year extension worth $86 million, the largest guarantee in franchise history. More deals are expected as spring training approaches next month.
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