Sacramento, January 30, 2026 – The Oakland Athletics are signaling a long-term commitment to their burgeoning young talent, and shortstop Jacob Wilson is the latest beneficiary. The 23-year-old has agreed to a seven-year, $70 million contract extension with the club, a deal that includes an eighth-year club option, sources reported Tuesday.
A’s Secure Future with Wilson Extension
The Athletics are investing in their core, extending Jacob Wilson’s contract and building a foundation for the future.
- Jacob Wilson signed a seven-year, $70 million contract extension with the Athletics.
- Wilson finished second in American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2025, batting .311.
- The A’s have now signed four young players to long-term extensions in the past year.
- Despite the team’s relocation, the A’s are focused on building a competitive roster.
Wilson, the son of former major leaguer Jack Wilson, quickly established himself as a key player for the A’s after a stellar 2025 season in Sacramento. He batted .311 with an .800 OPS and a 3.0 WAR, finishing second in American League Rookie of the Year voting behind teammate Nick Kurtz. The extension secures Wilson’s future with the team through the 2032 season, with a club option for 2033.
BREAKING: Shortstop Jacob Wilson and the Athletics have agreed to a seven-year, $70 million contract extension that includes an eighth-year club option, sources tell ESPN. Wilson, 23, finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting last season after hitting .311/.355/.444.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 30, 2026
The contract’s structure reflects the A’s strategy of securing players during their pre-arbitration and arbitration years. While the $70 million figure may seem modest, it’s largely due to Wilson’s limited years of service time, as he wouldn’t be eligible for free agency until at least 2031.
What does this mean for the A’s future? The A’s are clearly prioritizing the development and retention of young talent, signaling a potential shift in team building philosophy.
This move follows similar extensions given to Brent Rooker ($60 million over five years), Lawrence Butler ($65.5 million over seven years), and Tyler Soderstrom ($86 million over seven years) in the past year, demonstrating a clear pattern of investment in the team’s core.
Athletics have signed four players to long-term extensions since last offseason pic.twitter.com/9i0lXBmMwt
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) January 30, 2026
With Wilson joining Nick Kurtz and other promising prospects like Leo De Vries (acquired in a trade involving Mason Miller), the A’s offense is rapidly taking shape. The team’s offensive potential is undeniable, even as questions remain about the pitching staff. Addressing the pitching needs, however, may prove challenging as the team continues to play in a minor league stadium in Sacramento.
While the situation is bittersweet for fans in Oakland, the future appears brighter for those following the team in Sacramento and, potentially, in Las Vegas. The A’s are building a foundation for sustained success, one young player at a time.
