Positive things are happening for Australians in Major League Baseball.

Liam Hendriks has secured a multi-million-dollar contract with the Oakland A's.

Hendriks' deal is fully guaranteed and worth $2.15 million.

This assures that he will spend a fourth year in California.

Hendriks could have been a father-son pick with the West Coast Eagles, but instead has recently been an integral part of Oakland's post-season run where he became the first Australian to start a playoff game in the MLB.

Meanwhile, Todd Van Steensel has moved closer to an MLB birth after signing with the San Diego Padres.

This comes after two dominant seasons for the Chattanooga Lookouts in the minor leagues, the affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.

After five years with the Twins and Lookouts, Van Steensel was cut, but has been given another chance with the Padres.