The Athletics’ productive offseason adds more exciting news as they have extended manager Mark Kotsay’s contract. According to reporter Martín Gallegos, the Athletics have extended him to a three-year deal that will run through 2028 with an option for 2029. This provides Kotsay with a significant amount of time to help them with their rebuilding stage.
Looking at Kotsay’s coaching career, he spent time coaching with the San Diego Padres in 2015 and the Athletics in 2016. 2016 he was the Athletics bench coach, followed by a quality control coach in 2017. Then Kotsay was promoted to manager in December of 2021. Then, in November 2023, the A’s exercised Kotsay’s option for the 2025 season. Now that Kotsay has secured job security, he can continue to help the Athletics have a rebound season and guide them in their rebuilding stage.
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay has reportedly agreed to a 3-year extension. pic.twitter.com/o9Ca6c7thC
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 17, 2025
A’s Extend Contract of Manager Mark Kotsay
Kotsay’s Success as Manager
The Kotsay extension is reassuring as he is a highly glorified manager. Kotsay has received praise for his ability to direct a team that is going through a rebuild. He has also provided support through leadership and has the desire to compete and win. Kotsay was set to hit free agency following this season. If the A’s didn’t lock up Kotsay, another team would have snagged him up.
Kotsay is respected by the A’s as he’s used his lengthy playing career as a way to connect with his team. He’s talked to them about the idea that baseball seasons have highs and lows similar to his playing career. He can also be described as sincere and offers a positive attitude to his players. Kotsay has been a positive role model while also being able to relate to his team as a former player. He has also received praise from Bruce Bochy, the Texas Rangers manager. Kotsay played in MLB for 17 years and has been managing the A’s for four seasons.
A’s Successful Offseason
The A’s in the second half last season performed well, and the team looks rejuvenated with a handful of key new additions. They also locked up slugger Brent Rooker who smashed 39 home runs last season. Their new additions consist of right-handed starter Luis Severino, veteran reliever José Leclerc, infielder Gio Urshela, and starter Jeffrey Springs. Kotsay has helped the athletics in numerous ways, including going through a big change, moving from Oakland to Sacramento, California. Overall, the Kotsay extension provides the Athletics with continued guidance to lead a team with a young core.
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