Tyler Soderstrom’s Performance Dips as Athletics Struggle

Tyler Soderstrom of the Athletics 2025 Rollercoaster: Slumping or Strategically Sit-able?

In a season where the Athletics have become the streakiest team in baseball, Soderstrom might be the ultimate embodiment of their hot-and-cold identity. After being one of the leading American League home run hitters April, the powerful lefty has cooled considerably, leaving fantasy managers, DFS players, and bettors wondering—was it a mirage, or is this just the natural ebb and flow of a young slugger?

Let’s break down Soderstrom’s fantasy utility, power prop angles, and how to handle him moving forward—especially with ballpark factors in play.

From League Leader to Lineup Liability? Not So Fast.

Soderstrom came out of the gate scorching hot, hitting tape-measure shots in Sacramento’s bandbox of a ballpark. His first six weeks included:

• 13 home runs

• OPS over .960

• A consistent top-four spot in the A’s order

But the recent stretch has been far less forgiving:

• Batting average dipped below .240

• Strikeout rate climbing over 30%

• Several games with 0-for-4, 0-for-5 lines

He’s no longer the safest DFS plug-and-play. But that doesn’t mean the breakout was a fluke. Like teammate Lawrence Butler, and even the red-hot Nick Kurtz, Soderstrom’s production is heavily location-dependent—especially at home.

Fantasy Angle: The Ultimate Home/Road Splits Play

Soderstrom is a fantasy starter when he’s playing in Sacramento. Period. The A’s home park is quickly developing a reputation as one of the most hitter-friendly environments in the league—balls fly out, temperatures rise, and even routine fly balls can turn into souvenirs.

Fantasy Recommendations:

• At home: Must-start in all formats, even during a slump

• On the road: Sit if you have decent alternatives, especially vs. lefties or in pitcher-friendly venues (San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays)

• DFS stack play: Target Soderstrom and Kurtz when facing flyball-prone righties in Sacramento

Don’t drop him. Don’t panic trade. Play the splits. Win the week.

Betting Outlook: Power Props Still Have Value—With a Caveat

Soderstrom may have cooled down, but his power profile remains elite. His average exit velocity and barrel rate are among the top 20% of AL hitters, and his home run-to-fly ball ratio is still sustainable at Sacramento’s hitter haven.

Best Betting Angles:

• Home Run Props at Home: Look for +350 to +400 in favorable matchups. Still worth a bet.

• Total Bases Over 1.5: Often available at plus-money, especially on slump weeks.

• Avoid TB/HR props on the road—his slugging splits are too stark.

• RBI props: Worth a dart when batting cleanup, especially if Kurtz and Butler are reaching base.

Live Betting Tip: If the wind is blowing out in Sacramento, Soderstrom becomes an instant value play for in-game HR and TB props—especially vs. right-handed pitchers.

What’s Ahead for the A’s and Soderstrom?

The A’s remain volatile—losing streaks followed by hot weeks—and Soderstrom’s arc mirrors that. They’ve dropped 15 of 16 at one point this year, largely due to inconsistent offense and a shaky bullpen. But the team’s young talent (Soderstrom, Kurtz, Butler, Brent Rooker) gives them punch, and if they can stabilize their rotation, they could play spoiler in the second half.

Soderstrom, meanwhile, should remain a key cog in this offense. His contact rate and walk rate will need to improve, but the raw power and ballpark boost make him a dangerous second-half asset.

Final Verdict: Ride the Highs—Strategically Manage the Lows

• Fantasy: Start at home, bench on tough road series. Great hold with upside.

• Betting: HR and TB props still alive—only at home. Stay away on the road.

• Long-Term Outlook: Still a breakout year in progress. He’s not fading—just recalibrating.

If you expected Soderstrom to hit .350 with 40 homers, that was on you. But if you see him for what he is—a streaky, park-influenced power bat with elite upside—you’ll know exactly when and how to strike.

You can read all about what’s going on in Major League Baseball at SportsGrid.com.