The Athletics have just taken another quiet but strategically significant step: signing All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson to a seven-year, $70 million contract, including a clause for the team to remain in the 2033 season. On paper, this is an early extension. In reality, it’s the clearest statement yet on how the Athletics are building their roster for the Las Vegas era.
The new contract will keep Wilson with the team through the 2032 season, while also allowing the team to avoid the entire arbitration process in 2027β2029. Without signing now, Wilson would still retain control of the team after the 2030 World Series β meaning the Athletics have acquired both the stability and the potential for growth of one of MLB’s youngest talents early on.
One noteworthy detail: the press conference for the contract signing will take place in Las Vegas, not Sacramento or Oakland. The message is clear β Wilson is not just a current player, but the face of the starting lineup at the Strip in 2028.
At just 22 years old, Jacob Wilson has become the fourth piece that the Lakers have “locked in” until at least 2028 β the year the new stadium is scheduled to open. Before that, a team known for its frugality surprised many with a series of long-term contracts: Tyler Soderstrom ($7 years, $86 million β the most expensive in club history), Brent Rooker ($5 years, $60 million), Lawrence Butler ($7 years, $65.5 million). Even coach Mark Kotsay’s contract was extended until 2028, with an option for 2029.
These moves are not random. They form a consistent picture: the Lakers are solidifying their core roster before entering a new market where expectations, pressure, and scrutiny will increase significantly.
Professionally, Wilson deserves that trust. Last season, he shot .311 with 13 home runs and 63 RBIs, becoming the first rookie to be voted by fans to start at shortstop at the All-Star Game. Despite playing the second half of the season with a hand injury that slightly reduced his statistics, he still finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year race β only behind teammate Nick Kurtz, who won the title overwhelmingly.
Wilson isn’t the flashy shortstop who relies solely on brute strength. His value lies in his ball control, plate discipline, and consistency β qualities that often mature prematurely. For A’s, that’s the kind of player suited to be a pillar when everything else is still in motion.
Of course, this contract is also club-friendly. If Wilson waits a few more seasons, his market value could be significantly higher. But in return, the A’s have more financial space to continue adding to their roster β crucial as they still have at least two seasons to play at Triple-A in West Sacramento before heading to Las Vegas.
The Jeff McNeil trade to the Mets shows the A’s haven’t stopped there. They’re keeping a young core while also being ready to add experience when needed. And with Wilson locked in long-term, the roster structure is clearer than ever.
The question is no longer whether the A’s are spending unusually. The question is: what bigger things are they preparing for when the Las Vegas lights come on?
Jacob Wilson, at age 22, has just become a crucial part of that answer.
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