Athletics and All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson agree to $70 million,
7-year contract
[January 31, 2026]
By MARK ANDERSON
The Athletics took another step Friday toward securing
their potential opening-day Las Vegas lineup in 2028 by reaching an
agreement with All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson on a $70 million,
seven-year contract.
That contract takes Wilson through the 2032 season with a club option
for 2033. |
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson throws to first base during the seventh
inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in West
Sacramento, Calif., Sept. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis, File) |
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By signing him now, the A’s avoid salary arbitration after the
2027, 2028 and 2029 seasons. Wilson also would have been
eligible for free agency after the 2030 World Series.
Wilson and A's management scheduled a news conference for Monday
in Las Vegas to sign the deal.
The 22-year-old is the fourth player the A's have signed through
at least 2028 when the ballpark is scheduled to open on the
Strip.
The usually economical A's have signed some notable deals going
back to last offseason. Those include an $86 million, seven-year
contract for left fielder Tyler Soderstrom, a $60 million,
five-year contract with designated hitter/outfielder Brent
Rooker and a $65.5 million, seven-year deal with outfielder
Lawrence Butler. Soderstrom's deal is the richest in team
history.
Manager Mark Kotsay signed an extension that takes him through
2028 with a club option for 2029.
This offseason, the A’s traded with the New York Mets for
veteran second baseman Jeff McNeil.
The A's will play at least the next two seasons at a Triple-A
stadium in West Sacramento, California.
Wilson hit .311 with 13 home runs and 63 RBI last season and was
the first fan-elected rookie All-Star starting shortstop. He
finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting behind teammate
Nick Kurtz, who was a unanimous selection.
The A's selected Wilson sixth in the 2023 amateur draft.
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AP Baseball Writer Janie McCauley contributed to this report.
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