The Athletics have secured one of their rising stars for the long haul, reaching a long-term agreement with left fielder Tyler Soderstrom on a seven-year contract worth $86 million. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported: “BREAKING: Left fielder Tyler Soderstrom and the A’s are in agreement on a seven-year, $86 million contract extension, the largest guarantee in franchise history, sources tell ESPN. The deal includes an eighth-year club option and has escalators that max it out at $131 million.”
As reported, the deal represents the largest guaranteed contract in franchise history and includes a team option for an eighth season, along with performance-based escalators that could push the total value as high as $131 million. The contract guarantees an average annual value of roughly $12.3 million, placing it among the highest deals for players with just over two years of major league service. It also buys out the final four seasons before Soderstrom would have reached free agency, plus four additional free-agent years, effectively keeping him under team control throughout his prime.
At just 24 years old, Soderstrom emerged as one of MLB’s breakout players in 2025, his third season in the majors and first as an everyday starter. Originally drafted as a catcher in the first round in 2020 and later spending time at first base, Soderstrom completed a full-time transition to left field this season. The move paid off: appearing in 158 games, Soderstrom posted a .276 batting average with a .346 on-base percentage and a .474 slugging mark, while adding 25 home runs, 93 RBIs and eight stolen bases. His offensive production, paired with above-average defense, helped establish him as a key figure in Oakland’s lineup.
Soderstrom now joins designated hitter Brent Rooker and right fielder Lawrence Butler as part of a young core under contract through at least 2030. Despite finishing 76-86 and fourth in the AL West last season, the Athletics believe their young talent positions them for improvement. The A’s are scheduled to move from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2028 and in the meantime will continue playing in West Sacramento, California.
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