The Athletics have had a surprisingly exciting offseason. While they've not made any splash signings or trades so far this winter, the addition of Jeff McNeil, paired with Tyler Soderstrom's eight-year extension, has a positive outlook surrounding the A's.
They still have a lot of work to do before they can be put back into contender status, but these moves are a good step in the right direction. Especially so considering the young core they have could become a staple of the A's for years to come.
The architect behind such a standout roster of young players is none other than general manager David Forst. He's finally getting some recognition from the A's, as the team and Forst are in extension talks, but not regarding a player, but with Forst himself.
A's in contract extension talks with GM David Forst
"Aside from Billy Beane... The only A's staffer under contract beyond next season is Kotsay," Evan Drellich of The Athletic writes, "Forst and the A's are in extension talks, however."
The Athletics are trying to lock up a lot of their organization beyond the 2026 season. Mark Kotsay has been around for a while, and they're trying to do the same with a few of their young core players, and Forst now as well.
Not long after this report was made by Drellich, Forst was able to negotiate Soderstroms' $86 million contract over the next eight years.
It was a great deal for the A's and should further help him have a case for the extension he and the Athletics are discussing.
More: Athletics considering bold Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson contract decisions
With potential extensions on the horizon for Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson as well, the Athletics are in a much better spot now than they were a few years ago.
Trading Mason Miller landed them some incredible assets, and now the team looks to have the tools to contend for a postseason spot as soon as 2026, and by the time the new stadium is built, they should be ready to be potential World Series contenders if all goes well.
Forst has the A's heading in the right direction, and the contract extension talks are well deserved. The A's and contract negotiations are big right now, and Forst is next in line.
More Athletics News:
- What did the Athletics give up for Jeff McNeil? A's send 17-year-old to Mets
- Athletics trade for $50 million Mets' infielder Jeff McNeil
- Athletics urged to lock down former NPB Triple Crown winner before deadline passes
- Athletics tagged as potential landing spot for ex-Phillies, Rays pitcher
- Report: Athletics offered four-year contract to Braves $20 million shortstop
- Athletics to sign former Yankees, Phillies reliever with strong family presence in MLB