CHICAGO, December 26, 2025 – The Oakland Athletics’ recent signing of Tyler Soderstrom to a seven-year, $86 million contract extension has unexpectedly shifted the landscape of Major League Baseball’s most lucrative deals, bumping the Chicago White Sox to the bottom of the league in franchise contract history.
A’s Climb, Sox Slip in Contract Rankings
The A’s move out of the cellar with the Soderstrom deal, while the White Sox find themselves with the smallest guaranteed contract in their history.
- Tyler Soderstrom’s extension is worth $86 million, with a potential to reach $131 million through options and escalators.
- The White Sox’s largest guaranteed contract remains a $75 million deal with Andrew Benintendi.
- Oakland’s recent moves, including Soderstrom’s extension and previous signings, have propelled them out of the bottom of MLB contract rankings.
According to reports, Soderstrom’s contract includes a club option for 2033 and potential escalators, but the guaranteed $86 million is the key figure. This development comes as a surprise to some, especially considering two members of a fan-based project had previously suggested the White Sox trade for Soderstrom.
The White Sox haven’t been shy about handing out large extensions in the past, with deals for Yoán Moncada ($70 million over five years), Eloy Jiménez, and Luis Robert Jr. ($50 million over six years) all completed before the 2020 season. However, their recent activity hasn’t matched that pace. The team currently has a $68 million commitment over seven years with Robert, contingent on a $20 million option for 2026, though it appears unlikely they’ll fully exercise that clause.
While the White Sox lag behind in guaranteed contract size, they haven’t been outbid on outright free agent signings. Teams like the Rays, Guardians, Pirates, Reds, and Royals all have smaller top free agent contracts, but have surpassed the Sox through extensions. The hope within the organization is that a prospect from their current core – Kyle Teel, Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith, or a Montgomery – will emerge and warrant a contract exceeding Benintendi’s before the end of the decade.
In the meantime, the recent acquisition of Munetaka Murakami, despite his flaws, has been a source of excitement for White Sox General Manager Chris Getz, representing the closest he’s come to a nine-figure deal under current ownership.
Farm System and Offseason Moves
Recent analysis of the White Sox farm system indicates a diverse range of prospects, with Jedixson Paez earning recognition in rankings. Projections for Murakami suggest a 123 wRC+, but his high walk and strikeout rates present a challenge, mirroring the profile of Joey Gallo.
The White Sox were previously linked to closer Pete Fairbanks, but he ultimately signed with the Miami Marlins for $13 million, plus a $1 million buyout from the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite Tampa Bay declining Fairbanks’ $11 million club option, his market value remained strong.
Despite projections of a fifth-place finish, the White Sox are considered to have had one of the more exciting offseasons in the AL Central, rivaling the Kansas City Royals. Speaking of the Royals, the Kansas City Chiefs are planning to move to a new $3 billion domed stadium in Kansas, potentially influencing the Royals’ future stadium plans as well.
The design of modern stadiums, focused on maximizing revenue, is a growing trend. This is relevant to Chicago fans as it will likely influence the design of the next White Sox ballpark. However, the current Guaranteed Rate Field offers a relatively accessible design, a feature that may be lost in future stadium construction.
