The Athletics are not one of the most prolific spenders in Major League Baseball, but their decision to sign Tyler Soderstrom to a huge $86 million contract over the next eight seasons is nothing to scoff at.
In fact, that signing is a great one for the A's, as it shows their willingness to lock up their own to long-term deals to build a strong lineup. While the rotation needs some work this offseason, the A's focus might be better served by trying to lock up their young stars.
According to Evan Drellich of The Athletic, the Soderstrom deal might not be the last big signing the A's make this offseason with one of their young stars. Whether it's Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers, or Jacob Wilson, the A's are seeking more long-term deals.
A's trying to lock up young core for years to come
"The A's have made long-term extension offers to some players, Forst said, without offering names or an expectation as to when deals might be completed," Drellich reports.
This report came shortly before the A's signed Soderstrom to the big extension, but it's important to note that there's mention of contract offers to "some players," implying there's more than just Soderstrom on the table.
Kurtz could be a great extension candidate, as signing someone like him to a long-term deal after the remarkable rookie season he had would be worth it.
Corbin Carroll, Bobby Witt Jr., and many other rookies recently signed such long-term extensions shortly after their MLB debuts. Kurtz could be next in line. Wilson is another one deserving of an extension, as the 2025 All-Star is worth a long-term deal as well.
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Brent Rooker is signed for $60 million over five years, while Lawrence Butler is signed for $65.5 million over seven years. Now that Soderstrom is locked up for the next eight seasons, there should be more internal extensions handed out.
While Kurtz and Wilson have a lot of years of control left, Langelier's contract runs out sooner than the rest. Finding a slugging catcher like Langeliers is tricky and would be worth the long-term deal for the A's.
But, regardless of where this money is spent, and when it happens, the Athletics have made it clear they're trying to extend their young core for a long time into the future.
While the A's aren't going to vault into contender status just yet, there are a lot of encouraging signs that they're building a potential postseason contender for years to come with all of these young players signing long-term deals.
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