Soderstrom Signs Million-Dollar Contract with A’s: Future in Las Vegas Secured

A’s Secure Tyler Soderstrom with the Largest Contract in Team History

Las Vegas was the setting for a major press conference for the Athletics on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the team. The signing ceremony for Tyler Soderstrom was the first event of its kind at the future home of the A’s in Las Vegas, another step in the club’s scheduled move in just over two years. The seven-year, $86 million contract is the most lucrative deal in team history. It includes a club option for an eighth season and bonus clauses that could increase its value to $131 million.

“This is exciting for us. This keeps him here with the A’s during our time in Las Vegas starting in 2028. A big part of what we’re doing now is putting that template together,” said General Manager David Forst.

David Forst

After leaving Oakland, the A’s recently completed their first season in West Sacramento, California, where they plan to stay until the move to Las Vegas. The A’s, an organization that has historically been cautious with its spending, have signed some eye-catching deals since last offseason. These include a five-year, $60 million contract with designated hitter/outfielder Brent Rooker and a seven-year, $65.5 million deal with outfielder Lawrence Butler. Manager Mark Kotsay signed an extension that will take him through 2028 with a club option for 2029. This offseason, the A’s not only extended Soderstrom, but also negotiated with the New York Mets for veteran second baseman Jeff McNeil. First baseman Nick Kurtz was named American League Rookie of the Year and shortstop Jacob Wilson finished second in the voting.

“We have a timeframe that we see in front of us with this group that can be really special. We are doing everything we can to keep these guys for an extended period, to bring them here to Las Vegas. It’s my job to get us to win before we get to this stadium. I think they are watching David put this group together daily to give us that opportunity, and it’s going to be exciting,” Kotsay commented.

Mark Kotsay

The A’s have assembled a young and dynamic roster that proved it can also overcome adversity last season. After going through a 20-loss in 21-game streak, they then had a 53-46 record the rest of the way. Soderstrom said he believes the team could make a playoff push next season.

“There’s so much potential that we have. Words can’t explain how excited I am to be a part of that in the future,” Soderstrom affirmed.

Tyler Soderstrom

Soderstrom toured the construction site on Tuesday for the $2 billion, 33,000-seat domed stadium, standing in left field and where home plate will be located. Later, he went to the A’s Experience Center, which includes team memorabilia and a model of the stadium, and participated in the press conference. The A’s selected him with the 26th overall pick in the 2020 amateur draft. Soderstrom played his first full season in the Major Leagues this year and batted .276 with 25 home runs and 93 RBIs. Kotsay said he was especially impressed with Soderstrom’s willingness and ability to move to left field after playing first base and as a catcher. When Kotsay asked Soderstrom what he thought about moving to left field, the player responded by saying: “I’m the best athlete on the team. I have no problem.” Soderstrom played so well in the outfield that he became a Gold Glove finalist. The A’s management could have waited to seek a long-term deal with Soderstrom, but chose to avoid salary arbitration, to which he would have been eligible after next season. Soderstrom would have been eligible for free agency after the 2029 season.

“The idea of taking this group of young players and securing them in a new stadium has been something we’ve talked about for a long time. We were able to sign Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler last year, now Tyler, and there are ongoing conversations with others. So this is the model of how we want to do this and how we want to open the stadium in ’28,” concluded Forst.

David Forst