A’s GM Forst ignites buzz about Las Vegas and free agency
As the Oakland Athletics introduced Tyler Soderstrom during a press conference for his signing on Tuesday, their general manager, David Forst, found himself in the spotlight. A question arose regarding the team’s efforts to attract free agents this winter, specifically if Las Vegas has become an asset in convincing players to join the A’s.
Forst responded with enthusiasm, stating, “I would love to bring more guys here. I mean, we toured the construction site earlier with Tyler, and you could sort of just see the power of him getting to see [the under-construction ballpark]. I would love to be able to bring potential free agents here. I don’t see any downsides here.”
Las Vegas as a Selling Point
The potential move to Las Vegas is significant. Forst acknowledged that discussions about the new ballpark have surfaced in conversations with free agents. “It has,” he confirmed. “We have not, as far as free agents, we haven’t talked to guys about contracts extending into here yet. But in these extension deals, we talk about the possibility of being here, and guys are excited about being in Las Vegas.”
While the A’s are not expected to pursue high-profile signings, such as a seven-year, $200 million contract for someone like Framber Valdez, the timeline for the Las Vegas ballpark opening in 2028 limits their discussions. Forst and his team are focusing on short-term contracts, which complicates their pitch.
Short-Term Deals and Challenges
Given the current landscape, the A’s are primarily engaging in talks for deals that would span just two years. The challenge lies in pitching a future that includes playing in a minor league park, which is generally seen as favorable for hitters. This reality could make it difficult to entice free agents to join the A’s for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
The organization has shown a willingness to overpay in the past to secure players, as seen in their acquisition of Luis Severino last offseason. However, that contract did not yield the desired results in its first year, with Severino posting a 4.54 ERA.
As the A’s navigate these complex waters, the allure of Las Vegas could serve as a crucial factor in their approach to free agency. The excitement surrounding the future stadium and city may just be the edge they need to attract top talent in the coming years.
