The Oakland Athletics have just secured another young talent, shortstop Jacob Wilson, with a seven-year contract worth $70 million. This deal also includes a club option for an eighth year. Wilson, 23, is a promising player who made waves in the league after being drafted sixth overall in 2023. He debuted the following season and became an All-Star by 2025.
Wilson’s performance last year was impressive. He batted .311 with 13 home runs and a low strikeout rate of just 7.2%. His ability to make contact is exceptional; only one player had a better strikeout rate last season. However, his contact tends to be on the weaker side, with a low average exit velocity. Though the fans may not see massive home runs, Wilson has the potential to hit around 10 homers per season, especially since he has shown signs of growth.
Defensively, Wilson has had a mixed bag. He struggled in certain metrics, which could lead to a position change later in his career. Despite that, he has solid fundamentals and can make eye-catching plays.
This extension locks in Wilson for an extra two years, giving the Athletics valuable control over him. It’s the second-largest contract in franchise history, coming just behind Tyler Soderstrom’s recent extension.
Wilson’s signing is part of a broader strategy by the A’s to build a strong core. Along with Soderstrom and others, Wilson represents a bright future for the team. Their long-term contracts may also ease the financial burden of future arbitration for standout players like Nick Kurtz, who already made headlines with his impressive home run tally.
Despite the excitement around the hitters, the Athletics still have work to do in their pitching staff. With top prospects like Gage Jump and Jamie Arnold moving up, there’s hope for improvement. Jump has already reached Double-A, showcasing his potential.
As the A’s plan their relocation to Las Vegas by 2028, having a young roster could help attract new fans. This strategy allows them to cultivate a dedicated following as they embark on this new chapter.
For more insights on player contracts and performance trends, check out FanGraphs.
As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely how Wilson and the young core develop, both on and off the field.
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