Athletics continue to lock in core with an eye to Las Vegas

The Athletics gave their fans a surprise Christmas gift this year.

Outfielder Tyler Soderstrom and A's have reportedly agreed to a seven-year, $86 million extension. The contract also includes a team option for an eighth year and can be worth a maximum of $131 million. His extension is the largest contract in franchise history.

Soderstrom had a breakout performance in 2025. The 24-year-old produced a .276/.346/.474 batting line over his 624 plate appearances, hitting 25 homers and 34 doubles. He further trimmed his strikeout rate to approximately league average while continuing to make hard contact.

Tyler Soderstrom the latest Athletics player locked up as team looks to Las Vegas ballpark

Soderstrom is the latest member of the A's to receive a long-term extension. Fellow outfielders Lawrence Butler and Brent Rooker have received long-term extensions of their own, keeping them under team control through 2032 and 2030, respectively.

While these moves show that the A's are serious about building a contender, there may be another layer to these extensions. The A's new stadium in Las Vegas is on track to be ready for the 2028 season, marking the fifth location for the franchise. Bringing the A's to Las Vegas has been a tough sell as ownership has been far more interested in padding their profit margins than assembling a competitive ballclub.

By signing Soderstrom, Butler and Rooker to extensions, the A's are looking to change that narrative. These extensions are a good start, but winning ultimately will make a tremendous difference. The A's may have their sights set on contending when the new stadium opens in 2028, but locking in more of their core could help accelerate that timeline.