Locked On MLB - Daily Podcast On Major League Baseball SIGNED - Jacob Wilson Signed Long Term With West Sacramento A's
Jan 31, 2026
A long-term contract for young infielder Jacob Wilson and what it means for the team's future core. Debate over whether guaranteed deals make sense amid potential labor uncertainty. Analysis of recent spending while the club plays in West Sacramento and whether different choices could have preserved fan trust. Thoughts on the Las Vegas move, stadium questions, and ownership criticism.
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Wilson Took Team-Friendly Early Security
- Jacob Wilson signed a seven-year, $70 million deal that buys out much of his prime at age 23.
- Paul Francis Sullivan argues this is sensible because early security outweighs uncertain future earnings and injury risk.
Take Guaranteed Contracts Amid Uncertainty
- Take guaranteed money early when future labor disputes or injuries could erase earning potential.
- Sullivan advises many young players will sign now because they can't trust what baseball's future pay structure may hold.
Spending Reveals Accountability Gaps
- The A's payroll increases in West Sacramento show the ownership has funds when motivated to spend.
- Sullivan suggests revenue-sharing accountability (a spending floor) would better improve competitive balance than luxury tax caps.