UPDATE: The Oakland Athletics have made headlines with the signing of Tyler Soderstrom to a record-breaking $86 million, seven-year contract, marking a pivotal moment in the team’s transition to Las Vegas. This signing ceremony, held on October 10, 2023, took place at the future site of the A’s stadium in Las Vegas, officially kicking off a new era for the franchise.
Soderstrom’s deal, the richest in team history, includes an option for an eighth year and performance bonuses that could elevate the contract’s total value to $131 million. This ambitious move signifies the A’s commitment to building a competitive team ahead of their scheduled relocation to Las Vegas in 2028.
“This is exciting for us,”
said A’s general manager David Forst.
“This keeps him here with the A’s well into our time here in Las Vegas starting in 2028. A huge part of what we’re doing right now is putting that roster together.”
After a challenging season in West Sacramento, California, where the A’s temporarily relocated, the franchise is now focusing on securing its future in Las Vegas. This signing follows a series of significant contracts, including those of designated hitter/outfielder Brent Rooker for $60 million over five years and outfielder Lawrence Butler for $65.5 million across seven years.
Manager Mark Kotsay expressed optimism about the team’s trajectory, stating,
“We have a time frame that we see in front of us with this group that can be really special.”
He emphasized the importance of establishing a strong roster before the team’s move, aiming for immediate success. Soderstrom himself believes the team is on the verge of a playoff run, declaring,
“There’s so much potential that we have. Words can’t explain how excited I am to be a part of that going forward.”
During the signing event, Soderstrom toured the construction site of the new $2 billion, 33,000-capacity domed stadium, visualizing his future with the team. Drafted as the 26th overall pick in the 2020 amateur draft, Soderstrom had an impressive first full season, hitting .276 with 25 home runs and 93 RBI. His adaptability in switching from first base and catcher to left field impressed Kotsay, who noted Soderstrom’s confidence in his ability, saying,
“I’m the best athlete on the team. I don’t have a problem.”
In a strategic move, A’s management chose to lock in Soderstrom now rather than risk salary arbitration next season. If this trend continues, the team aims to secure more young talents for their new ballpark. Forst stated,
“The idea of taking this group of young players and locking them up into a new ballpark has been something we’ve talked about for a long time.”
As the A’s prepare for their future, the excitement surrounding Soderstrom’s signing sets the tone for a franchise eager to resonate with fans in Las Vegas. With this historic deal, the A’s are clearly committed to building a powerhouse team ready to compete in the coming seasons. Fans and analysts alike are keenly watching how these developments unfold as the team transitions to its new home.
