The Athletics have actively locked of their core gamers.
Outfielder Lawrence Butler and designated hitter/outfielder Brent Rooker signed long-term extensions through the 2024-25 offseason. Fellow outfielder Tyler Soderstrom obtained a seven-year, $86 million extension on Christmas, locking in one other key a part of the lineup.
The A’s will not be achieved. In accordance with Katie Woo and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the A’s are having „ongoing conversations“ with youthful gamers as they appear to construct a profitable franchise to coincide with their transfer to Las Vegas.
Athletics have a number of intriguing gamers left to lock up
The A’s have a number of potential targets. Catcher Shea Langeliers is getting into arbitration for the primary time and has three years of group management left. He has hit no less than 22 homers in every of his three full seasons within the majors, offering wonderful energy from the catcher place.
First baseman Nick Kurtz and shortstop Jacob Wilson can be sturdy candidates for an extension as properly. The AL Rookie of the Yr and runner-up, Kurtz and Wilson are drastically completely different gamers, however each could possibly be cornerstones for the franchise. Kurtz confirmed that he could possibly be one of many higher younger energy hitters within the majors, belting 36 homers, together with a four-home run recreation the place he grew to become the primary rookie to perform that feat in MLB historical past. Likelihood is, Kurtz can be probably the most tough of that group to increase as he might command a bigger deal if he can replicate his profitable rookie season.
Wilson is famous for his contact potential, putting out simply 39 instances over his 523 plate appearances. He did some harm with the bat as properly, hitting 13 homers and 26 doubles. Whereas there are questions concerning the high quality of contact as Wilson was far beneath common in hard-hit fee (24.8%) and common exit velocity (84.1 mph), he’s a strong defensive shortstop.
The A’s have an thrilling core that’s starting to ascertain itself on the main league degree. It could be a matter of time earlier than the A’s lock in different items from that group.
