The Athletics have actively locked of their core gamers.
Outfielder Lawrence Butler and designated hitter/outfielder Brent Rooker signed long-term extensions throughout the 2024-25 offseason. Fellow outfielder Tyler Soderstrom obtained a seven-year, $86 million extension on Christmas, locking in one other key a part of the lineup.
The A’s will not be accomplished. Based on Katie Woo and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the A’s are having “ongoing conversations” with youthful gamers as they give the impression of being to construct a successful franchise to coincide with their transfer to Las Vegas.
Athletics have a number of intriguing gamers left to lock up
The A’s have a number of potential targets. Catcher Shea Langeliers is getting into arbitration for the primary time and has three years of group management left. He has hit at the very least 22 homers in every of his three full seasons within the majors, offering glorious energy from the catcher place.
First baseman Nick Kurtz and shortstop Jacob Wilson could be sturdy candidates for an extension as effectively. The AL Rookie of the 12 months and runner-up, Kurtz and Wilson are drastically totally different gamers, however each may very well be cornerstones for the franchise. Kurtz confirmed that he may very well be one of many higher younger energy hitters within the majors, belting 36 homers, together with a four-home run sport the place he grew to become the primary rookie to perform that feat in MLB historical past. Chances are high, Kurtz could be probably the most troublesome of that group to increase as he might command a bigger deal if he can replicate his profitable rookie season.
Wilson is famous for his contact capacity, placing out simply 39 occasions over his 523 plate appearances. He did some harm with the bat as effectively, hitting 13 homers and 26 doubles. Whereas there are questions concerning the high quality of contact as Wilson was far beneath common in hard-hit fee (24.8%) and common exit velocity (84.1 mph), he’s a strong defensive shortstop.
The A’s have an thrilling core that’s starting to ascertain itself on the main league stage. It might be a matter of time earlier than the A’s lock in different items from that group.
