The Oakland Athletics may still be a couple of years away from packing their bags for Las Vegas, but make no mistake – the foundation for their future is already being laid. After a season that saw real progress from a number of their young players, the A’s front office is starting to shift its focus toward long-term stability. And that starts with locking in the core.

Jacob Wilson, Shea Langeliers, Nick Kurtz, and Brent Rooker were all key contributors on offense this past season – not just flashes of potential, but real, above-average production. That kind of performance from a young group is exactly what rebuilding teams hope for.

It’s not just about talent; it’s about consistency, growth, and the ability to handle the grind of a full season. These four delivered, and if they can carry that momentum into 2026, the A’s might have the makings of a core worth building around.

That’s why the front office is reportedly exploring contract extensions for some of these young pieces. According to recent reports, the team has held talks with several of its younger players about potential long-term deals. While nothing is finalized, names like Kurtz, Wilson, Langeliers, and Tyler Soderstrom have all surfaced as possible extension candidates.

This is a strategy we’ve seen more and more in today’s game – front offices trying to get ahead of the curve by locking in young talent before they hit arbitration or free agency. It’s a gamble, sure.

If a player doesn’t develop as expected, the team could be stuck with a deal that doesn’t age well. But if the player outperforms the contract, the savings can be massive – both financially and in terms of roster flexibility.

Take Nick Kurtz, for example. Coming off an AL Rookie of the Year campaign, he’s already shown he can produce at a high level.

Securing him at a team-friendly rate now could pay off in a big way down the road. It also sends a message – to the fanbase, to the clubhouse, and to the rest of the league – that the A’s are serious about building something sustainable.

That kind of forward-thinking approach might be the most important move the club makes this offseason. Yes, there are still holes to fill on the roster.

But ensuring that the core is locked in before the franchise’s relocation in 2028? That’s the kind of long-term planning that could turn this transition into a true turning point.

The A’s aren’t just trying to be competitive next season. They’re trying to build a team that can grow together, win together, and eventually take the field in Las Vegas with a real shot at contending. And if these extension talks lead to deals, it could be the first big step in that direction.