Jacob Wilson Signs $70M Deal with Athletics, Signaling Las Vegas Commitment

The 23-year-old shortstop's long-term contract is part of the team's youth movement ahead of their 2028 relocation.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:27am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in a palette of deep blues, oranges, and metallic silvers, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The Athletics' bold investment in young talent like Jacob Wilson signals an ambitious vision for their future in Las Vegas.West Sacramento Today

The Oakland Athletics have signed 23-year-old All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson to a 7-year, $70 million contract, the latest in a series of major deals for the team's young core as they prepare to relocate to Las Vegas in 2028. Wilson's contract follows similar long-term agreements for other top Athletics prospects like Tyler Soderstrom and Brent Rooker, demonstrating the team's commitment to building around its homegrown talent.

Why it matters

The Athletics' investment in their young stars like Wilson signals a clear strategy to develop a competitive roster for their move to Las Vegas. By locking up these players long-term, the A's are hoping to build a sustainable winner in their new home and attract additional free agents to join the team's youth movement.

The details

Wilson, who was the first fan-elected rookie All-Star starting shortstop in 2024, will now be under contract with the Athletics through the 2032 season, with a club option for 2033. His $70 million deal is the fourth such major contract the A's have handed out since last offseason, following $86 million for Soderstrom, $60 million for Rooker, and $65.5 million for Lawrence Butler. The team is also in talks to sign 22-year-old first baseman Nick Kurtz and 28-year-old catcher Shea Langeliers, further emphasizing their commitment to building around young talent.

  • Wilson was drafted 6th overall by the Athletics in the 2023 MLB Draft.
  • In 2024, Wilson played in 92 games for the A's, hitting .311 with 13 home runs and 63 RBIs.
  • Wilson's new 7-year contract with the Athletics runs through the 2032 season, with a club option for 2033.

The players

Jacob Wilson

A 23-year-old shortstop who was the first fan-elected rookie All-Star starting shortstop in 2024 and finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

David Forst

The general manager of the Oakland Athletics, who has hinted that the team's proximity to their future home in Las Vegas has influenced their roster-building strategy.

Tyler Soderstrom

A young left fielder who signed an $86 million contract with the Athletics as part of the team's youth movement.

Brent Rooker

A 23-year-old prospect who signed a $60 million deal with the Athletics.

Lawrence Butler

A 22-year-old player who signed a $65.5 million contract with the Athletics.

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What they’re saying

“It was an easy decision knowing that I'm going to share the field with those guys for the next seven to eight years.”

— Jacob Wilson

What’s next

The Athletics are in talks to sign 22-year-old first baseman Nick Kurtz and 28-year-old catcher Shea Langeliers, further emphasizing their commitment to building around young talent ahead of their move to Las Vegas in 2028.

The takeaway

The Athletics' strategy of investing heavily in their young core players like Jacob Wilson signals a clear commitment to building a sustainable winner in Las Vegas. By locking up these prospects long-term, the A's are hoping to attract additional free agents to join their youth movement and create a competitive roster for their new home.