By David Brandt
Mesa, Arizona (AP) – Manager Mark Kotsay helped athletics sail in three difficult seasons while the franchise has lost a lot of matches, built a young list and has treated an emotional departure from Oakland.
Now he has the chance to direct for potentially happier moments.
Kotsay and athletics announced on Monday that they had accepted a contract extension throughout the 2028 season which includes a club option for 2029. The agreement coincided with the first full training of the team Spring training, and dozens of players and coaches were in presence for the manager’s press conference.
“I’m very humiliated right now,” said Kotsay. “Apart from the day I married my wife, I think it will be one of the best days of my life. The opportunity was given to me to lead this group.
“When I started this trip in 2022, as a manager, all I wanted was the chance to keep moving forward and to see this.”
Kotsay, 49, is in his fourth season with athletics and led the team through a period of upheavals which included a move from Oakland to Sacramento, California, where they will play in a minor league stadium For the next seasons. The possible plan is to finish in Las Vegas.
The A had a 69-93 file last season, which was an improvement of 19 victories in a season of 112 detractions in 2023. JJ Bleday.
Butler asked the first question of the press conference, making a joke by asking Kotsay what he felt about “all this talent given to you, where you don’t really have to do too much”.
Kotsay and the players laughed, but it is true that optimism is high. The team plans to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020 after having a file of 32-32 after the stars break last season.
Rooker finalized an agreement of $ 60 million over five years with the A during the offseason while the right -hander Luis Severino signed a $ 67 million contract over three years, indicating that the normally frugal franchise was willing to open its Portfolio while he tries to compete in competing in in the Al West.
The managing director, David Forst, said that the stable hand of Kotsay through the team’s sunset house in Oakland was one of the many reasons for which he was happy to give the manager an extension.
“I am so proud to have it represented our organization, to be the face of this franchise to the public and to face everything that comes in the coming years and to Vegas,” said Forst. “I’m so confident that Mark is the right guy. I am delighted that he is not committed to being here.
Kotsay originally had a three -year contract covering 2022-24 and in November 2023, the team exercised its 2025 option. Now, the manager and former Big League voltiseur – who played for the 2004 athletics in 2004 in 2007 – has a certain employment security while the team begins its mandate in Sacramento.
Originally published:
California Daily Newspapers
