The Athletics really delivered a Christmas present. They signed outfielder Tyler Soderstrom to the franchise's largest contract ever.
ESPN reporter Jeff Passan and other U.S. media outlets reported on Dec. 26 (Korea time) that the Athletics and Tyler Soderstrom agreed to a seven-year, $86 million (12.67 billion won) long-term contract. With the club option for an eighth year and salary escalation clauses added, the contract could rise to as much as $131 million (19 billion won).
It is the largest deal in club history. In 2004, the franchise star signed a major six-year, $66 million contract. At the time it was the longest and largest contract in club history. But Soderstrom broke all of those records.
Soderstrom, who was selected 26th overall in the first round of the 2020 draft, debuted in 2023 and fully realized his potential this year. In 158 games he hit .276 (561 at-bats, 155 hits) with 25 home runs, 93 RBIs and an OPS of .820. He entered the organization as a catcher and settled at first base in the majors, but after moving to left field this year his hitting potential also emerged.
Preparing for a new era as the Athletics plan to transfer their base to Las Vegas, the club is pouring in large sums of money. In March of this year they already tied down starter-turned everyday outfielder Brent Rooker to a five-year, $60 million deal and Lorenzon Butler to a seven-year, $65.5 million long-term contract.
Also this offseason the team signed free agent Luis Severino to a three-year, $67 million contract to bolster the rotation. He became the highest-paid player by average annual value in club history.
Although they failed to sign him, they showed behavior uncharacteristic of a "small-market" team by offering Kim Ha-seong a four-year, $48 million (6.95 billion won) long-term contract.
MLB.com reported that Soderstrom's fate changed in 2025 and he showed the potential to become a core player for the team. At the plate Soderstrom produced a lot of hard contact, and according to Statcast he ranked in the 86th percentile in hard-hit rate (49.8%) and the 70th percentile in barrel rate (11.4%).
It went on to say that Soderstrom was above average even at Bush. Early in the season he played first base, but at the end of April, when Nick Kurtz joined, he was moved to left field. It was a position he had never played in his professional career. The transition was smooth. He started 100 games in left field and was named a finalist for the Gold Glove given to the league's best defensive left fielder. He recorded 11 assists and a +5 OAA (Outs Above Average).
General Manager David Forst said last Oct., "I've talked with many owners about continuing a model of keeping a roster in Las Vegas and extending contracts with players. It's an issue where two-way communication is important, and I expect related discussions to begin within the next few months." And the Athletics are completely rebuilding the roster ahead of the Las Vegas era, led by top prospects.<
[OSEN]