In a surprising twist, the Oakland Athletics are making an aggressive push to sign top free agents this offseason, even as the franchise prepares for an unprecedented transition to playing home games in a minor league ballpark. The A’s, long known for their frugality, are opening up the checkbook and offering record-breaking contracts to convince stars to join their rebuilding project under less than ideal circumstances.
A’s Make Splash with Severino Signing
The A’s made a major statement by signing star pitcher Luis Severino to a three-year, $67 million deal, the largest free agent contract in team history. Severino, coming off an impressive bounceback season with the Mets, was initially skeptical about joining a rebuilding team set to play in a minor league park. But the A’s won him over with a combination of a huge financial commitment and a compelling vision for the future.
“Neither I nor my agent were expecting them to offer a contract of that magnitude. It was impressive.”
– Luis Severino on his record-breaking contract with the A’s
Overcoming the Minor League Park Obstacle
The A’s are set to play the 2025-2027 seasons, and possibly 2028, at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento while awaiting a new stadium in Las Vegas. Convincing major league players to join a team playing in a 14,000-seat Triple-A venue is no small challenge. General Manager David Forst and his staff have gotten out in front of player concerns by detailing major planned upgrades to the park, including:
- New two-story big league caliber clubhouse with lockers, dining, lounges, and batting cages
- Improved irrigation and field maintenance to withstand two teams playing in summer heat
- Addressing commute logistics from clubhouse beyond left field to main field
The A’s are betting that their young core, managerial stability under Mark Kotsay, and playing time opportunities for veterans will make the minor league park a more palatable short-term option, especially when paired with premium salaries.
Spending Spree Just Beginning
After reeling in Severino and acquiring starter Jeffrey Springs via trade, the A’s aren’t done adding. They have expressed interest in more rotation help and impact bats at third base and left field. Buoyed by an expected $105 million in total payroll via the new MLB revenue sharing agreement, Oakland suddenly has both the motivation and means to keep spending.
“We’re trying to get better.”
– A’s GM David Forst on the team’s free-spending approach
The A’s rebuild is kicking into high gear, with the team hoping an infusion of high-priced veteran talent can merge with their promising young core to accelerate a return to contention. If Oakland can continue attracting marquee free agents despite their venue constraints, they may just create the “logistical nightmare” of hosting playoff games in a minor league park sooner than anyone expects. Talk about a stunning change of direction for a franchise long allergic to opening its wallet.
