Despite finishing seven games better in 2025 (76-86) than they did in 2024 (69-93), the Athletics are still a ways off from being a playoff-caliber ball club. The A’s have the pieces to become a playoff team, and after acquiring infielder Jeff McNeil to give them another veteran presence in their young clubhouse, the A’s are one step closer to that goal. McNeil joins a core that features designated hitter Brent Rooker and outfielders Lawrence Butler and Tyler Soderstrom, the latter of whom was the latest recipient of a massive contract extension. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Athletics and Soderstrom have agreed to a seven-year, $86 million contract, which is the largest guaranteed contract in Athletics history. Passan also reports that the deal includes a club option for an eighth year and could top out money-wise to $131 million. A catcher by trade, Soderstrom spent 108 of his 158 games played in 2025 out in left field and performed well, having a positive defensive runs saved of 14. Soderstrom a
