Athletics (Sacramento) locked up manager Mark Kotsay to a three -year contract extension until 2028, The team announced on Monday. The contract includes a club option for 2029 and should keep Kotsay at the helm when the team moves into their new stadium in Las Vegas. Which is temporarily planned for 2028.
“There is certainly a higher level of waiting,” Kotsay said after the open spring formation (Via NBC Sports Bay Area). “You can look at the progress we have made in the second half and the group that met, this core of guys. I think they have built a culture in there that they believe in each other, than They know they belong, and that has somehow started in this July-August race.
Kotsay, 49, begins his fourth season as manager of A. The team is 179-307 (.368) under his watch, although this is not Kotsay’s fault. The owner John Fisher ordered the list of studs and the payroll lying in the context of his efforts to conclude a new stadium agreement, which led to the relocation to Sacramento and, finally, in Las Vegas.
During his three years as a manager, Kotsay was a stable presence at a time of huge upheavals for athletics. His players love his positive attitude and his honesty, and the way he relates to the high and bottom of the long season given his own player career. The manager of the Texas Rangers and the future temple of renown Bruce Bochy praised Kotsay last year. From mlb.com::
“I look at the players when they play for me and the way they lead,” said Bochy. “It can be by example, and what I mean by that, is how hard they play with intensity and enthusiasm, because it is contagious, or they will do it vocally. Mark made both. I knew it would be the way for him.
The A spent money this offseason, in particular by signing Luis Severino to a contract of $ 67 million over three years which is the richest in the history of the franchise. They also exchanged against the left -hander Jeffrey Springs, signed the configuration man José Leclerc and the Slipger of the extended stars Brent rooker. Rooker signed a $ 60 million contract over five years after hit 39 circuits in 2024.
Severino, Springs and Leclerc join an interesting foundation which includes rooker, 2024 Breakout Slugger Lawrence Butler, All-Star Miller and others like JJ Bleday, Zack Gelof, JP Sears, Tyler Soderstrom and Jacob Wilson. The A went 69-93 last year. They may not go to the playoffs in 2025, but they will not be a game game either.
Kotsay and athletics move into Sutter Health Park in Sacramento this season. It is a triple-a installation and will be their house at least 2027, and perhaps also 2028. The new stadium offered by the club on the las vegas strip is already exceeded the budget.
