Athletics Gamble on Jacob Wilson Extension

A's lock up young shortstop with 7-year, $70 million deal despite concerns over his offensive profile.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The Oakland Athletics have agreed to a 7-year, $70 million contract extension with shortstop Jacob Wilson, who had an impressive rookie season in 2025. However, Wilson's profile raises some red flags, including a low walk rate, mediocre exit velocity and hard-hit metrics, and questionable defensive future at shortstop.

Why it matters

The extension is part of the A's strategy to lock up their young core, but committing significant long-term money to Wilson is a risky move given his offensive limitations and defensive uncertainty. The A's are betting that Wilson can continue to produce at the plate and develop into a reliable shortstop despite his concerning underlying numbers.

The details

Wilson, a 2025 All-Star and AL Rookie of the Year runner-up, hit .311/.355/.444 with 13 home runs and 26 doubles in his debut season. However, he had a low 5.4% walk rate, ranked in the bottom percentiles in exit velocity, hard-hit rate, and barrel percentage, and was a defensive liability at shortstop. The A's are hoping Wilson can develop into a consistent offensive performer and maintain his spot at shortstop, but his profile raises questions about the long-term viability of this extension.

  • The Athletics agreed to the 7-year, $70 million extension with Jacob Wilson on January 30, 2026.

The players

Jacob Wilson

A 23-year-old shortstop who had an impressive rookie season for the Athletics in 2025, making the All-Star team and finishing runner-up for AL Rookie of the Year.

Brent Rooker

A designated hitter/outfielder who the Athletics have also signed to a contract extension since January 2025.

Lawrence Butler

An outfielder who the Athletics have also signed to a contract extension since January 2025.

Tyler Soderstrom

An outfielder who the Athletics have also signed to a contract extension since January 2025.

Leodalis De Vries

The Athletics' top prospect, who is also a shortstop, potentially putting Wilson's future defensive position in question.

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What they’re saying

“The combination of high contact, low walk rates and soft contact can work. Free-agent infielder Luis Arraez has a similar profile and is a three-time batting champion.”

— Dave, Writer

What’s next

The Athletics will hope that Jacob Wilson can continue to develop offensively and solidify his defensive future at shortstop as they have committed significant long-term money to him.

The takeaway

The Athletics are taking a significant gamble by extending Jacob Wilson to a 7-year, $70 million contract despite concerns over his offensive profile and defensive future. While Wilson had an impressive rookie season, his low walk rate, mediocre exit velocity and hard-hit metrics, and defensive struggles raise questions about whether he can live up to the long-term investment.