Regardless of ending seven video games higher in 2025 (76-86) than they did in 2024 (69-93), the Athletics are nonetheless a methods off from being a playoff-caliber ball membership.
The A’s have the items to change into a playoff group, and after buying infielder Jeff McNeil to offer them one other veteran presence of their younger clubhouse, the A’s are one step nearer to that aim. McNeil joins a core that options designated hitter Brent Rooker and outfielders Lawrence Butler and Tyler Soderstrom, the latter of whom was the newest recipient of a large contract extension.
Based on ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Athletics and Soderstrom have agreed to a seven-year, $86 million contract, which is the most important assured contract in Athletics historical past. Passan additionally studies that the deal features a membership possibility for an eighth 12 months and will prime out money-wise to $131 million.
A catcher by commerce, Soderstrom spent 108 of his 158 video games performed in 2025 out in left area and carried out effectively, having a optimistic defensive runs saved of 14. Soderstrom additionally dedicated two errors in 244 possibilities (867.2 innings) and had two double performs underneath his belt. On the plate, the 24-year-old had a breakout season, batting .276 with an OPS of .820 and mashed 25 house runs whereas driving in 93 RBI.
