Athletics Secure All-Star Jacob Wilson on Long-Term Deal Amid Relocation Plans

WEST SACRAMENTO (Azat TV) – The Oakland Athletics officially cemented a key piece of their future, announcing a seven-year, $70 million contract extension with All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson, 23, on Friday. The agreement, which includes a club option for an eighth year, signals the team’s commitment to building a competitive young core as it prepares for its planned relocation to Las Vegas in 2028.

Wilson’s new deal, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, guarantees him $70 million through the 2032 season, with the potential for an additional year in 2033 if the club option is exercised. This extension aligns Wilson, a client of PSI Sports Management, with other recently extended young core players, including first baseman Tyler Soderstrom, outfielder Lawrence Butler, and slugger Brent Rooker, as the Athletics strategically invest in their roster’s future.

Jacob Wilson’s All-Star Ascension

Wilson, the sixth overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft out of Grand Canyon University, made his major league debut in 2024 before breaking out as an American League All-Star in 2025. He finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting, trailing only his teammate, first baseman Nick Kurtz.

In his first full MLB season, Wilson posted an impressive .311 batting average, coupled with a .355 on-base percentage and a .444 slugging percentage. Across 125 games, he recorded 13 home runs, 26 doubles, five stolen bases, and 63 runs batted in. His exceptional bat-to-ball skills were highlighted by a remarkably low 7.2% strikeout rate, the second-lowest among all big leaguers with at least 40 plate appearances in 2025, according to MLBTradeRumors. Wilson is also a second-generation major leaguer, following in the footsteps of his father, longtime Pirates infielder Jack Wilson.

While Wilson’s pure hit tool is widely praised, his quality of contact has been noted as modest. He averaged just 84.6 mph off the bat with a 2.2% barrel rate and a 24.1% hard-hit rate. Despite this, his ability to consistently put the ball in play and collect hits has driven his strong on-base percentages. His aggressive approach at the plate results in frequent swings, which, while limiting his walk rate to 5.2% in 2025, allows him to leverage his contact skills.

Defensive Role and Future Roster Planning

On the defensive side, metrics from his first full season at shortstop showed challenges, with Wilson recording minus-10 Defensive Runs Saved and minus-2 Outs Above Average. While Statcast credits him with well above-average arm strength, his range has been identified as below-average, a concern that has persisted since his prospect days. Scouting reports, however, commend his solid hands and his knack for making flashy, acrobatic plays.

An eventual move to second or third base could optimize his defensive contributions, though this shift is not anticipated in the immediate future. Highly touted prospect Leo De Vries, still only 19 with limited Double-A experience, is not yet ready to push for the shortstop position, meaning Wilson is expected to continue his role as the Athletics’ primary shortstop for the foreseeable future.

Athletics’ Strategic Extensions and Financial Posture

Wilson’s seven-year, $70 million deal is a significant investment for the Athletics, ranking as the eighth-largest guarantee ever made to a player with under two years of big league service time. It is also the second-largest contract in franchise history, only surpassed by teammate Tyler Soderstrom’s recent seven-year, $86 million extension, which accounted for Soderstrom’s additional year of service.

This deal surpasses comparable extensions for other young shortstops, such as Ezequiel Tovar of the Rockies ($63.5 million over seven years) and Wilson’s own teammate Lawrence Butler ($66.5 million over seven years). It falls slightly short of Michael Harris II’s eight-year, $72 million pact with Atlanta, underscoring the market value of Wilson’s unique skillset.

The extension is part of a broader strategy by the Athletics to lock in their promising young position-player core. With Soderstrom, Butler, Rooker, and now Wilson committed long-term, the team aims to build stability and marketability. This approach also has financial implications; the Athletics have reportedly increased their Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) payroll to $139 million, addressing previous concerns regarding revenue-sharing funds. This financial flexibility could also make it easier to manage the arbitration salaries of other rising stars like Nick Kurtz, who posted a sensational .290/.383/.619 slash line with 36 home runs in 2025.

Building for a New Era in Las Vegas

The Athletics’ strategic investment in their young core comes as the franchise prepares for a monumental shift. The team is slated to play two more seasons in West Sacramento before its targeted 2028 move to a new stadium on the Las Vegas strip. By securing players like Wilson, Soderstrom, and Butler, the Athletics are proactively assembling an exciting and identifiable group of talent to market to a new fanbase.

While the team finished fourth in the AL West in 2025 with a 76-86 record, it showed significant improvement, including a strong 35-29 record after the All-Star break. The organization also continues to develop pitching prospects, with top-50 talents like Gage Jump and Jamie Arnold making their way through the system, aiming to complement the burgeoning offensive core.

The long-term extension for Jacob Wilson, alongside similar deals for other young stars, clearly demonstrates the Athletics’ strategic intent to establish a marketable and competitive roster foundation well in advance of their relocation to Las Vegas. This proactive approach aims to ensure continuity and excitement, providing a compelling product for their future home.