NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Athletics would have offered a very nice Christmas present to one of its young stars.
The Athletics and outfielder Tyler Soderstrom agreed to a seven-year, $86 million contract Thursday, according to multiple reports.
This is the largest contract ever awarded by the team. The deal also includes an eighth-year club option and features escalators that bring the maximum contract value to $131 million.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Athletics outfielder Tyler Soderstrom (21) reacts after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros in the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California on September 24, 2025. (Cary Edmondson/Imagn Images)
Soderstrom, 24, broke out in 2025. He debuted in 2023 as a catcher and first baseman, and struggled with hitting in his first taste of Major League Baseball, hitting .160 with just three home runs and a .472 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) in 45 games.
The Turlock, California native returned to the big leagues in 2024 and was much better. In 61 games, Soderstrom had a .233 batting average with nine home runs, 26 RBIs and a .743 OPS while playing primarily first base.
EX-MLB STAR IS IN TROUBLE WITH DISNEY CRUISE LINE OVER MAN DRESSED AS A WOMAN
Athletics outfielder Tyler Soderstrom (21) reacts after being caught stealing second during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California on September 23, 2025. (Sergio Estrada/Imagn Images)
In 2025, Soderström played primarily left field and thrived at the plate. He started 145 of the 158 games he played this year – 100 of those starts in left field – his first full season in the major leagues.
In those 158 games, he hit .276 with 25 home runs and 93 RBIs with an OPS of .820, cementing himself as a key part of the Athletics’ young core.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Athletics outfielder Tyler Soderstrom (21) scores a run during the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California on September 26, 2025. (Sergio Estrada/Imagn Images)
Soderstrom was in line to become eligible for arbitration after the 2026 season and free agency after the 2029 season. Instead, he joins outfielder/designated hitter Brent Rooker ($60 million, five-year contract) and outfielder Lawrence Butler ($65.5 million, $7-year contract) as another part of the young, dynamic roster that is locked in for the long term.
