Athletics Agree to Historic $86 Million Extension with Tyler Soderstrom
Oakland, Thursday, 25 December 2025.
Shattering franchise records, the Athletics have secured standout outfielder Tyler Soderstrom with a seven-year, $86 million contract, marking the largest financial guarantee in the organization’s history.
Breaking Down the Deal
Finalized on December 24, 2025, this agreement locks Soderstrom into the Athletics’ lineup through the 2032 season [2]. While the headline guarantee is $86 million, the contract structure includes a club option for 2033 and performance escalators that could vault the total value to $131 million [1][5]. This financial commitment completely eclipses the franchise’s previous spending benchmark—a three-year, $67 million deal awarded to pitcher Luis Severino just last winter [2][7]. By comparison, Soderstrom’s new guarantee represents a substantial 28.358 percent increase over that prior record, underscoring a drastic pivot in the front office’s valuation of homegrown talent.
A Breakout Campaign
The 24-year-old earned this windfall following a transformative 2025 season where he slashed .276/.346/.474 across 158 games, tallying 25 home runs and 93 RBIs [5][7]. Perhaps most impressive was his defensive evolution; primarily a catcher in his rookie year, Soderstrom transitioned to left field where he recorded 11 outfield assists and saved 10 runs defensively, ultimately finishing the year as a Gold Glove finalist [2][7]. This performance offered a stark contrast to his 2024 metrics, where he managed only a .233 batting average in limited action [2].
Securing the Las Vegas Core
This extension is a calculated strategic move to solidify the roster’s foundation ahead of the team’s scheduled relocation to Las Vegas in 2028 [7]. Soderstrom is now the third major offensive piece secured for the long haul, joining outfielder Lawrence Butler, who inked a $65.5 million extension in March 2025, and designated hitter Brent Rooker, who is signed through 2029 [7]. With 2025 AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz and All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson remaining under team control through at least 2030, the Athletics have effectively constructed their lineup for the next half-decade [7].
Looking Toward 2026
For Soderstrom, who was previously slated to earn just $820,000 in 2026, this deal provides immense financial security while delaying his potential free agency by at least three years [5][7]. The signing caps a busy week for the Athletics, who also acquired veteran utility player Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets on Monday [7]. Although the club finished the 2025 season with a 76-86 record, their strong second-half performance of 35-29 suggests that this spending spree is aimed at contending immediately during their interim residency in West Sacramento [7].