The Oakland Athletics have reached an agreement with rising star outfielder Lawrence Butler on a lucrative seven-year, $65.5 million contract extension, including a club option, as reported by ESPN.
At just 24 years old, Butler, a former sixth-round selection from a Georgia high school, showcased his potential during a breakthrough sophomore season in 2024. He posted impressive numbers, batting .262 with a .317 on-base percentage and a .490 slugging percentage (131 OPS+), along with 22 home runs and 18 stolen bases. Despite a slow start that led to a brief stint in Triple-A, Butler bounced back strongly and finished the season with a .291 batting average, .330 on-base percentage, and .565 slugging percentage, adding 20 more home runs. Throughout his brief MLB career, Butler has maintained an OPS+ of 115 over two seasons.
The Oakland Athletics have appointed former Raiders executive Marc Badain as their new president, a move of strategic significance as the team prepares for its relocation to Las Vegas.
– Mike Axisa
With this extension, Butler secures his future in Oakland, as the A’s undergo a period of uncertainty. Following their departure from the Oakland market, the team will temporarily play in Sacramento’s Triple-A ballpark until the proposed move to Las Vegas is finalized.
Heading into the 2025 season, Butler will have just over a year of MLB service time, delaying his free agency until the offseason of 2032-33 if the club option is exercised. The Athletics have been proactive this offseason, making significant moves like signing Luis Severino, acquiring Jeffrey Springs, and extending slugger Brent Rooker’s contract. These actions were likely taken to preempt any potential grievances from the MLBPA regarding the team’s use of revenue-sharing funds.
sentence: Please be sure to lock the door before you leave the house.
Make sure to lock the door before you go out.