Athletics General Manager David Forst Secures Contract Extension

The Athletics organization has locked down continuity in their front office, with General Manager David Forst confirming he’ll return for the 2026 season after agreeing to terms on a new contract extension.

Forst Confirms Return Despite Organizational Challenges

Speaking during an end-of-season video conference Tuesday, Forst put speculation to rest with a simple declaration: “I will be back in 2026.” The 49-year-old executive has navigated the Athletics through one of the most turbulent periods in franchise history, overseeing the club’s transition from Oakland to Sacramento while preparing for their eventual move to Las Vegas in 2028.

The Athletics wrapped up their inaugural season in West Sacramento with a 76-86 record, marking a seven-game improvement from their dismal 69-93 finish in their final Oakland campaign. More encouraging was the team’s second-half surge, posting a 35-29 record after the All-Star break.

Building Momentum Through Strategic Moves

Forst’s tenure has been defined by calculated roster construction amid financial constraints. The Athletics faced pressure from Major League Baseball’s Players Association to maintain their competitive balance tax number above $105 million to avoid grievances related to their revenue-sharing status.

This mandate prompted aggressive spending last offseason, with the Athletics signing pitcher Luis Severino and reliever José Leclerc to eight-figure deals while acquiring Jeffrey Springs in a trade. The organization also secured long-term extensions for emerging stars Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler.

The strategy appears to be working. Despite playing in a minor league facility, the Athletics showed signs of competitiveness that hadn’t been seen in recent years.

Young Core Provides Foundation for Future Success

The Athletics’ improvement stems largely from their young position players breaking through at the major league level. First baseman Nick Kurtz delivered a spectacular rookie campaign, launching 36 home runs in just 117 games while posting a .290/.383/.619 slash line with a 170 wRC+.

Shortstop Jacob Wilson provided exceptional contact skills, striking out in only 7.5% of his plate appearances while hitting .311/.355/.444. Both players figure prominently in the Athletics’ long-term plans.

“We feel really good about the foundation,” Forst said, indicating the organization’s confidence in their young talent base.

Extension Talks on the Horizon

Forst revealed ongoing discussions with ownership about extending key players like Kurtz and Wilson before they reach free agency. Such moves would follow recent industry trends of teams securing young stars early in their careers, similar to deals signed by Julio Rodríguez, Jackson Merrill, and Corbin Carroll.

The Athletics currently project a $77 million competitive balance tax number for 2026, well below the threshold that triggered their spending spree last winter. If similar pressures emerge, expect the organization to explore additional roster investments.