Boras awaits stadium decision
A resolution of the A’s pursuit of a new ballpark could shed light on more than just the team’s geographic future.
Agent Scott Boras, who represents A’s third baseman Matt Chapman, was at the Coliseum on Monday and was asked whether there have been conversations with the A’s about a potential longterm extension for the twotime Platinum Glove winner, who was arbitration eligible for the first time last offseason and would be due to hit free agency after the 2023 season.
“I think the A’s are in a position where they’re trying to get their stadium figured out, and until they do I’m not sure where they want to go with players,” Boras said. “And obviously the time frame allows them a period of time to do that. We’re going to see them take care of their infrastructure first and then address the player element later, I think.”
Boras attended the A’s signing of firstround draft pick Max Muncy a day before the Oakland City Council is scheduled to vote on a nonbinding term sheet for the A’s proposed $12 billion waterfront ballpark and development project. The proposal going before the council Tuesday provides a blueprint for what could be in a final term sheet.
The A’s are proposing a $1 billion, privately financed ballpark that would be an upgrade over the Coliseum, their home since 1968. If the A’s and Oakland do reach a deal, team president Dave Kaval has said a new ballpark likely would not open until 2027. The A’s lease at the Coliseum runs through 2024.
“Being raised in the Bay Area, you’d want to hear an earlier date,” Boras said. “But of the player perspective, it would be up to them as to how they think about that.”
A’s officials have also made several visits to Las Vegas after receiving permission from Major League Baseball to explore relocation possibilities. Las Vegas has gained franchises in other sports in recent years, with the NHL’s Golden Knights debuting in 2017 and the NFL’s Raiders moving from Oakland to Las Vegas before the 2020 season.
“I think Las Vegas is going to be definitely a city that’s going to have four major sports franchises, I don’t think there’s any question about that,” Boras said. “The question is when. And if they do (acquire an MLB franchise), I’m sure they’ll build a dome.”
All eyes: A’s manager Bob Melvin, a Bay Area native, said he will also be paying attention to Tuesday’s vote.
“I’d love to stay in Oakland,” Melvin said. “I hope our team stays in Oakland. We have a long, rich history here. I think that’s the case with anybody who’s either grown up here or lives here or is an Oakland A’s baseball fan or a player.”