OAKLAND, Calif. – In a move signaling a new era for the franchise, the Oakland AS and left fielder Tyler Soderstrom have agreed to a seven-year, $86 million contract with a club option for an eighth season, potentially reaching $131 million, sources confirmed. this landmark deal represents the largest contract in A’s history for a player with less than three years of service time and underscores the team’s commitment to building a competitive roster as they prepare to relocate to Las vegas.
A’s Lock Up Rising Star in Franchise-Altering Deal
The seven-year pact solidifies Soderstrom’s place as a cornerstone of the A’s,offering both financial security and a shining outlook for the team’s future.
- Soderstrom, 24, enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, hitting .276 with 25 home runs and 93 RBIs.
- The contract includes escalators that could increase its value to $131 million, rewarding continued performance.
- This deal is part of a broader strategy by A’s ownership to build a competitive roster ahead of their move to Las Vegas in 2028.
Soderstrom’s rapid ascent has been remarkable. After being drafted in 2020, he quickly progressed through the minor leagues and debuted with the A’s at age 21. His versatility, initially showcased at catcher and first base, lead to a full-time role in left field this year, where he demonstrated both strong defensive instincts and a powerful left-handed swing.
What is the annual value of Tyler Soderstrom’s contract? The deal carries a $12.3 million annual guarantee, placing it among the top 10 highest for players with two-plus years of service.
The A’s have been proactive in securing their core players. Designated hitter Brent rooker and right fielder Lawrence Butler are already under contract through at least 2030.soderstrom’s agreement, negotiated by Paragon Sports, further strengthens that foundation. The inclusion of performance-based escalators provides significant upside if Soderstrom continues to develop into a perennial All-Star.
The team’s commitment extends beyond soderstrom. First baseman and reigning AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz has quickly established himself as a star, while rookie Jacob Wilson finished among the league leaders in batting average, hitting over .300. Both are under team control through the 2030 season.Power-hitting catcher Shea Langeliers, potential Gold Glove center fielder Denzel Clarke, and recent trade acquisition Jeff McNeil add further depth and potential to the A’s lineup.
Owner John Fisher has made it clear that he wants the A’s to arrive in Las Vegas as a competitive force. Last winter, the team broke the franchise record with a $67 million free agent contract for right-hander Luis severino, a deal that had been in place since 2004. The A’s finished the 2024 season with a 76-86 record, and improved pitching could propel them into playoff contention in the American League West.
Soderstrom, the son of former San Francisco right-hander Steve Soderstrom, is poised to be a central figure in the A’s future. Despite a positional shift prompted by Kurtz’s arrival at first base, the A’s recognized Soderstrom’s offensive potential and continued to find a place for his bat in the lineup. The A’s were one of only two teams in baseball with five regular players boasting an OPS at least 20% better than the league average, a testament to their burgeoning offensive firepower.
This deal mirrors a recent trend in baseball,with All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia recently agreeing to a five-year,$57.5 million extension with a club option. Soderstrom’s contract places him in elite company among young outfielders,trailing only Fernando Tatis Jr., Mike Trout, and Yordan Alvarez in terms of total and annual value.
