Tyler Soderstrom Signs Historic Contract with the Oakland Athletics
Las Vegas, NV — In a moment that crystallizes the burgeoning relationship between Tyler Soderstrom and the Oakland Athletics, the 24-year-old infielder signed a historic seven-year contract extension worth $86 million. This deal, officially announced at the A’s Experience Center in Las Vegas, marks the largest guaranteed contract in franchise history, extending Soderstrom’s ties to the organization through the 2032 season, with an optional year in 2033. The deal includes performance escalators that could elevate its total value to $131 million, a testament to the A’s faith in their young star.
Celebrating Family and Legacy
Amid the celebration, Soderstrom was surrounded by family, friends, and A’s officials, including manager Mark Kotsay and general manager David Forst. The day began with a tour of the new ballpark construction site at Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue, setting the tone for an exciting future. Soderstrom expressed immense gratitude to his parents, Steve and Tami, who sat proudly in the front row, as well as to his wife, Bailey, with whom he shares a deep-rooted connection since their middle school days.
During his speech, Soderstrom hailed his father as his “biggest hero” and his mother as his “biggest teacher,” showcasing the familial love that has shaped him. He thanked his agent Garrett Parcell and the A’s organization for believing in him since he was drafted 26th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft.
Season of Breakthroughs
Soderstrom’s new contract comes on the heels of an impressive breakout season. He played 158 games, finishing the year with 25 home runs and 93 runs batted in, batting .276 with a .346 on-base percentage. His RBI total led the team, a clear indication of his impact within the lineup. Since his debut on July 14, 2023, Soderstrom has collected 37 home runs and 126 RBIs over 264 games, proving that he is not just a vital player but also the cornerstone of the team’s future.
Building a Future Together
Kotsay and Forst both emphasized Soderstrom’s role as a leader and a pivotal figure in the A’s plans moving forward. "Watching his maturation process for the last three years, I couldn’t be more proud of where he’s at," Kotsay remarked. Forst added that maintaining young talent like Soderstrom is integral to the team’s aspirations, especially as they prepare to move to Las Vegas.
The Soderstrom extension is part of a broader strategy by the A’s to lock in their future stars, following similar deals for All-Star Brent Rooker and right fielder Lawrence Butler. The organization is optimistic about the synergy among its young talents, many of whom grew up together in the minor leagues and are now making waves in the Major Leagues.
The Bonds of Brotherhood
An emotional Soderstrom highlighted the close-knit relationships within the team, crediting them as a major motivation behind his decision to commit long-term. The camaraderie has only strengthened over shared experiences, including their recent weddings, which brought the team closer together.
“We’re a really tight-knit group,” he noted. “It’s super special to be sharing the field with them. We’re really excited for the next steps in this organization together and hopefully we can bring a lot of rings to Vegas.”
Reflecting on a Journey
The signing ceremony was also rich in emotional significance for both Forst and Kotsay. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Soderstrom’s initial contract signing took place at his family home in Turlock, where Forst made a personal trip. The contrast between that moment and the record extension represents the athlete’s rapid ascent in a few short years.
Kotsay recounted his early interactions with Soderstrom, recalling how he personally observed the player’s evolution. He remembered the day he approached Soderstrom about transitioning to the outfield, capturing the athlete’s unwavering confidence when he declared, “I’m the best athlete on the team. I have no problem.”
Defensive and Professional Growth
Soderstrom’s adaptability has been nothing short of extraordinary. Initially drafted as a catcher, he made a significant switch to first base before embracing an outfield role in 2024, where he excelled as a Gold Glove finalist. The willingness to adapt demonstrates his commitment to the team and ability to evolve, skills recognized by both Kotsay and Forst as vital for future success.
A Fan Favorite
Soderstrom’s popularity among A’s fans stems not only from his on-field performance but also from his deep appreciation of the team’s heritage. His participation in ceremonies honoring the franchise during their final days in Oakland attests to this commitment. He made memorable contributions during that historic time, underscoring the emotional connection he shares with the team and its legacy.
As Soderstrom prepares for the 2026 season, he emphasizes the potential of both himself and his teammates. “There’s so much potential that we have… Words can’t really explain how excited I am to be a part of that,” he said, setting an optimistic tone for the future of the Athletics in their new home.
A New Chapter Awaits
Excited for the upcoming spring training, Soderstrom looks forward to refining his skills and helping lead his team to significant achievements. His blend of hometown pride, talent, and leadership positions him not just as an athlete, but as an integral figure in the Athletics’ journey ahead.