The Oakland Athletics made their latest long-term bet on a young star Monday, signing shortstop Jacob Wilson to a seven-year, $70 million contract extension with a club option for an eighth season. The deal, announced at Uncommon: A’s Experience Center in Las Vegas, locks up the 2025 All-Star through at least 2032 and marks the fourth major extension the club has handed out since January 2025.
Wilson, who debuted in 2024 and finished second in American League Rookie of the Year voting behind teammate Nick Kurtz in 2025, joins Brent Rooker (five years, $60 million), Lawrence Butler (seven years, $65.5 million), and Tyler Soderstrom (seven years, $86 million) as core pieces the A’s have secured long term. General manager David Forst said the team’s impending move to Las Vegas in 2028 has changed how the organization operates financially.
“I think it’s pretty obvious this place is allowing us to operate differently than we ever have,” Forst said. “We still have hope of doing more of these and keeping guys in A’s uniforms for as long as possible.”
The A’s went 76-86 last season but believe their young core can accelerate the rebuild. Wilson, who hit .294 with 18 home runs and 74 RBIs in 2025, said the decision to sign long term was easy given the clubhouse culture.
“I think it goes back to your teammates you have in the locker room and the guys you share the field with,” Wilson said. “We have a very special group here that goes to work every day. For me, it made it an easier decision.”
A’s president Marc Badain emphasized that the extension strategy is part of a sustainable model. “This has been (Forst’s) vision and I know he works very closely with (owner) John (Fisher) and the leadership to chart a path forward,” Badain said. “You see what successful teams do — draft well, develop their players, retain them, sign them long term.”
Forst said Wilson’s rapid rise from a 2023 draft pick to franchise cornerstone sets a timeline for other prospects. “Be drafted and show how quickly we can turn this team into one we feel is ready to compete and be a playoff team again,” he said. “A team that has it heads to Las Vegas in 2028 will be ready.”
