A’s sign manager Mark Kotsay to contract extension

Tacking on a few years to skipper’s contract

The Athletics announced on Monday morning that the team has extended manager Mark Kotsay for three years, keeping him in the fold as the club’s skipper through at least the 2028 season:

The new deal locks in the leader of the clubhouse through the Sacramento years and likely the first season in Las Vegas, depending on how the relocation goes. The team also holds a club option for the 2029 season.

Kotsay took over as manager in 2022 after serving under his predecessor Bob Melvin for five years. In his time as A’s manager he is 179-307, not an especially great record but he’s also been overseeing the rebuild that is still in effect. The front office hasn’t tried to win during his tenure so it’s not fair to judge him based off his managerial record, but expectations are rising as the club’s young players begin cementing themselves in the major leagues. The team has committed more money this offseason than in any prior year as the team looks to escape the doldrums of irrelevancy.

The team has a promising young core highlighted by players like Lawrence Butler, Jacob Wilson, JJ Bleday, Zack Gelof, Shea Langeliers, and Mason Miller. There’s more talent behind them as well and the team is expected to take a big step forward on the field in their first year in Sacramento. Kotsay has helmed the ship during these tough few years as the team rebuilt and now he’ll be tasked with developing the budding stars on the roster as well as putting the team on a path to actually winning. He’ll have a long leash as his second contract with the club should take him through all the way to Las Vegas. The final year of his deal is when the club should theoretically open their new stadium in Nevada but we’ll see how that goes. For now, Kotsay is here to stay.