Oakland Athletics Players Salary: Bleday’s $6.2M Contract Leads MLB’s Third-Lowest $73M Payroll

Oakland operated with just $73 million in payroll for 2025, ranking 28th among MLB’s 30 teams. JJ Bleday leads the roster at $6.2 million annually as the Athletics prepare for their eventual relocation to Las Vegas while playing final seasons at the Oakland Coliseum.

Brent Rooker ($4.8M), Jacob Wilson ($1.5M), and Shea Langeliers ($1.8M) form the young core. Pre-arbitration talent like Mason Miller ($785K) and Tyler Soderstrom ($770K) fill the roster as Oakland prioritizes cost control during their transitional period.

Explore Oakland Athletics player biography and roster information for complete team analysis.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Oakland Athletics Players

Bleday earns $6.2 million through arbitration after arriving via trade from Miami. His power potential justifies the investment as Oakland’s highest-paid position player. Rooker makes $4.8 million providing 30+ home run production at first base and designated hitter.

Langeliers collected $1.8 million through arbitration as the primary catcher. His defensive excellence behind the plate creates value despite modest offensive production. Wilson earned $1.5 million in his first arbitration year anchoring shortstop.

Springs earned $10 million as Oakland’s highest-paid player after arriving via trade from Tampa Bay. His salary represents significant commitment for the budget-conscious Athletics. Blackburn makes $4.5 million through arbitration providing rotation stability.

Athletics Net Worth Through Career Earnings

Rooker accumulated $12 million in career earnings building a $7 million net worth across Minnesota and Oakland. His breakout power production positions him for substantial arbitration raises before reaching free agency.

Bleday earned $10 million creating a $6 million net worth across Miami and Oakland. Springs collected $28 million building a $16 million fortune across Tampa Bay and Oakland.

Blackburn earned $15 million building a $9 million net worth spent primarily in Oakland before brief stints elsewhere. Sears collected $4 million creating a $2.5 million fortune. Langeliers accumulated $3 million building a $2 million net worth.

Pre-Arbitration Stars Provide Roster Foundation

Miller earns just $785K while emerging as one of baseball’s most dominant closers with 100+ mph velocity. His pre-arbitration status creates extraordinary value as elite closers command $15-20 million annually on the open market.

Soderstrom makes $770K splitting time between catcher and first base. His power potential justifies everyday at-bats while costing league minimum. Butler earned $772K patrolling center field with speed and defensive excellence.

Max Schuemann ($770K) and Darell Hernaiz ($765K) provide middle infield depth at minimum salaries. Oakland’s strategy prioritizes volume of young talent over expensive veterans, accepting losing seasons during relocation transition.

Rotation Built on Trades and Arbitration

Oakland allocated $28 million to starting pitchers—38% of total payroll. Springs ($10M) leads spending after arriving via trade. Blackburn ($4.5M) and Sears ($2.1M) provide depth through arbitration settlements.

Mitch Spence ($785K) and Joe Boyle ($770K) fill rotation spots at league minimum. Oakland trades established starters before expensive arbitration years, replacing them with pre-arbitration arms. This cycle perpetuates roster turnover while maintaining budget discipline.

The Athletics develop internal pitching through analytics-driven player development before trading arms for prospect returns. This strategy creates perpetual rebuilding rather than sustained competitiveness but aligns with ownership’s financial priorities.

Minimal Bullpen Investment

Oakland allocated just $8 million to relievers—11% of total payroll. T.J. McFarland leads at $1.5 million providing veteran left-handed depth. Miller ($785K) closes games despite pre-arbitration salary creating exceptional value.

The Athletics avoid spending heavily on bullpen arms, instead cycling through low-cost options identified via trades and waivers. Michel Otanez ($770K) and Austin Adams ($950K) provide middle relief depth.

Oakland’s bullpen strategy prioritizes volume over elite talent. They accept higher ERA rates from inexpensive relievers rather than investing $5+ million per arm like competitors. This approach maintains budget discipline while sacrificing competitive results.

Relocation Impact on Spending

Oakland’s impending Las Vegas relocation creates organizational uncertainty affecting roster construction. The Athletics maintain minimal payroll during their Oakland farewell seasons before planned 2028 Las Vegas stadium opening.

Ownership prioritizes profitability over winning during the transition. Their $73 million payroll generates substantial operating profits through revenue sharing despite minimal on-field investment and declining attendance.

Future payroll projections remain unclear for Las Vegas operations. New stadium economics may justify increased spending, though ownership’s historical reluctance suggests continued budget constraints regardless of market size.

FAQs

Who is Oakland Athletics’ highest-paid player?

Jeffrey Springs earns $10 million as Oakland’s highest-paid player after arriving via trade from Tampa Bay, leading the budget-conscious $73 million payroll.

Why does Oakland have such low payroll?

Oakland operates at $73 million ranking 28th due to ownership’s cost-cutting priorities during Las Vegas relocation transition, prioritizing profits over competitive roster construction.

What is Mason Miller’s salary?

Miller makes just $785K as a pre-arbitration closer despite elite 100+ mph velocity, creating exceptional roster value as comparable closers earn $15-20 million annually.

When will Oakland move to Las Vegas?

The Athletics plan Las Vegas stadium opening for 2028, playing final Oakland seasons with minimal payroll investment before relocation affects spending strategies.