The Athletics have been proactive about locking of their core for the foreseeable future. That push continued on Friday.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the A’s agreed to phrases with shortstop Jacob Wilson, 23, on a seven-year, $70 million extension. He’s the fourth participant the A’s have signed to an extension since January 2025, becoming a member of designated hitter/outfielder Brent Rooker and outfielders Lawrence Butler and Tyler Soderstrom.
Wilson had a powerful rookie season for the A’s. A 2025 All-Star and the runner-up for the AL Rookie of the Yr award, he posted a .311/.355/.444 batting line in his 523 plate appearances, hitting 13 homers and 26 doubles. He displayed spectacular contact abilities, putting out solely 39 occasions.
Athletics playing that Jacob Wilson can proceed spectacular efficiency
Wilson does include some pink flags. He solely drew 27 walks for a 5.4% stroll charge, far under league common (8.3%). Wilson ranked within the first percentile in common exit velocity (84.6 mph), within the second percentile in hard-hit charge (24.7%) and within the sixth percentile in barrel share (2.2%). Part of these mediocre metrics could possibly be resulting from his 32.1% chase charge, limiting the standard of his contact.
Questions encompass Wilson’s defensive future as properly. He value the A’s 10 runs defensively, the third-worst complete of any participant with a minimum of 250 innings at quick. The opposite two gamers, Bo Bichette and Carlos Correa, will likely be at third base subsequent season. As prime prospect Leodalis De Vries is a shortstop, Wilson may get pushed to second or third within the close to future.
The mixture of excessive contact, low stroll charges and smooth contact can work. Free-agent infielder Luis Arraez has an analogous profile and is a three-time batting champion. Enjoying within the bandbox generally known as Sutter Well being Park, and the eventual transfer to Las Vegas, ought to assist Wilson produce. Nevertheless, the A’s are making a major funding in Wilson as they hope he can proceed to supply as Arraez has.
