Athletics extend DeRosa contract

The Philadelphia Athletics postseason ended almost before it even had a chance to begin. And that it ended not with a loss, but following a tie, was even more frustrating for both the organization and for the fans at the Navy Yard.

However, a bigger picture look at the landscape for the club reveals that there was much to celebrate with the 2025 campaign. The A's won a 14th Owens/East Division pennant and finished with the overall top record in the WFBL.

This breakout season came after the club had finished in last place during both 2023 and 2024. Those were also the first two seasons under manager Mark DeRosa. Now, following the big turnaround, the skipper is being rewarded for his role.

"DeRo took the job knowing that we were undertaking a massive rebuild at the time," said GM Matt Veasey in announcing a contract extension for the skipper. "He knew that it might take a few years to get things turned around. Mark was willing to be patient and do the work. No one works harder or smarter. We were lucky to get him, we're happy to have him, and now we are ecstatic that he will be a part of our organization for years to come."

During a press conference today at the club's Veasey Village facility in South Philly, the GM announced that the Athletics and DeRosa have agreed to a five-year contract extension. The new deal is tacked on to his original five-year deal signed back in fall of 2022. It will run though the 2032 campaign.

"I'm grateful to Mr. Veasey and the fans here in Philly for allowing me to rep this team and this community," said DeRosa. "I saw the vision right from the start. We got back to the winning tradition quickly. We all got a taste of it this year. I'm ready for more. The guys on the team are ready to win a championship. That's our only goal now."

The Athletics won the Owens/East title with a 19-3 mark, tying the WFBL record for winning percentage in a season. In the postseason Quarter-Finals they were tied at home by Omaha 6-6. However, the Storm Chasers advanced based on a 6-5 victory over the A's during the regular season. 

When next March roles around the Athletics will raise another divisional pennant flag at the Navy Yard. And then, under the direction of DeRosa, what is expected to largely be a familiar cast of characters will begin to defend that flag and try to take that next step toward the ultimate goal of a WFBL championship.