Season in Review: Jacob Wilson’s Breakout Rookie Year Sets the Tone in Oakland
In a season filled with question marks for the A’s, rookie shortstop Jacob Wilson delivered one of the clearest answers. The 2025 campaign was his official coming-out party, and he didn’t just arrive-he made sure the league took notice.
Drafted to Be a Cornerstone
The A’s made a bold bet on Wilson when they selected him sixth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Grand Canyon University. The pick came with expectations-not just because of his collegiate pedigree, but also because of his bloodline.
His father, Jack Wilson, was a longtime major league shortstop, and those are big shoes to fill. But from the moment Jacob entered the system, the A’s envisioned him as a foundational piece.
He didn’t waste time climbing the ladder. After stops in Lansing, Midland, and Las Vegas, Wilson got his first taste of big-league action in July 2024. That brief stint set the stage for what came next.
A Rookie Season to Remember
Wilson opened the 2025 season as the A’s starting shortstop-and from Day 1, he looked the part. By April 1, he was hitting .300, and here’s the thing: his average never dipped below that line for the rest of the season. That kind of consistency is rare for any player, let alone a rookie.
He finished the year batting .311, good for third in the American League. That’s not just impressive-it’s elite.
And it didn’t go unnoticed. Wilson earned a starting spot in the All-Star Game, a nod not just to his numbers but to the respect he quickly earned around the league.
Even a midseason injury-a broken bone in his right forearm-couldn’t derail his momentum. Despite missing time, he still finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, trailing only Nick Kurtz. That’s how impactful his season was.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Heading into 2026, Wilson’s spot in the A’s lineup is a lock. He’s expected to be a fixture near the top of the order, and there’s no question he’ll be counted on to produce. But there is one lingering question: is shortstop his long-term home?
While Wilson’s bat has silenced plenty of critics, there are still whispers about his defensive range. Some evaluators wonder if he has the lateral quickness to stick at shortstop over the long haul.
That question becomes even more relevant with top prospect Leo De Vries making noise in the minors. De Vries is widely viewed as the organization’s future at short, and he could be knocking on the door of the big leagues sooner rather than later.
That opens up a few possibilities. Wilson could slide over to third base, where his arm and instincts would still play well.
Or, if Zack Gelof struggles to hold down second, there’s a chance Wilson ends up there. What’s clear is this: the A’s are going to find a spot for his bat in the lineup.
He’s too valuable not to.
Final Word
For a franchise in transition, Jacob Wilson was a bright spot in 2025-a steady, productive presence in the infield and a beacon of what’s possible when talent meets preparation. Whether he stays at shortstop or shifts elsewhere, the A’s have something real in Wilson. He’s not just part of the future-he’s already shaping it.
