The Oakland Athletics are navigating a period of significant change. The team was on track to match the worst record in Major League Baseball history early in the 2023 season. They concluded that year with a disappointing 50-102 record and finished 23 games under .500 in 2024. Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, the A’s relocated from Oakland to West Sacramento, where they will play until their anticipated move to Las Vegas in 2028.

Despite the temporary nature of their current home, the Athletics have secured a long-term commitment from their star player.

The team has signed left fielder Tyler Soderstrom to a seven-year contract extension worth $86 million, including a team option for an eighth year and performance-based incentives that could bring the total value to $131 million. This deal represents the largest contract in the history of the Athletics franchise.

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At just 24 years old, Soderstrom has only completed one full season in the majors but has already made a significant impact. In 2025, he posted a .276 batting average, a .346 on-base percentage, and a .474 slugging percentage, hitting 25 home runs and driving in 93 runs. Initially a catcher and first baseman, Soderstrom transitioned to left field this season, where he has shown himself to be not only a strong offensive player but also an above-average defender.

While the contract sets a record for the franchise in terms of total value, it remains financially reasonable. Soderstrom’s annual salary averages about $12.3 million per season, and even if he reaches the full potential of his deal, his earnings would average around $16.4 million per year over eight seasons, suggesting he will provide excellent value for the Athletics.

For comparison, Juan Soto of the New York Mets holds the highest average annual salary in baseball at $51 million. Meanwhile, the Athletics’ divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Angels, are reportedly trying to offload third baseman Anthony Rendon’s contract, which carries an average annual value of $35 million.

The A’s last made the postseason in 2020, and last year’s record of 76-86 was their best since the 2021 season. The team is willing to spend to keep its top talent around; last offseason, the A’s set a then-franchise record with a $67 million contract for right-handed pitcher Luis Severino.

It won’t be a long stay in Sacramento for the A’s. But with the way they’re making progress, there could be a playoff appearance or two before the move to Las Vegas.