Lawrence Butler’s New Deal: A Game-Changer for the Athletics
In a move that has sent ripples through the baseball world, outfielder Lawrence Butler and the Athletics have agreed on a seven-year, $65.5 million contract extension. This deal, which includes a club option, was confirmed by sources to ESPN on Thursday night. It’s a significant commitment to a player who emerged as one of the best in baseball during the second half of last year.
The contract, pending a physical, ensures that the 24-year-old Butler will remain with the A’s well beyond their anticipated move to Las Vegas in 2028. Earlier this offseason, designated hitter Brent Rooker also secured a five-year, $60 million extension, further solidifying a core that the A’s hope will propel them back into playoff contention.
Butler’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. After a brief stint in 2023 where he struggled, and a challenging start to the 2024 season that led to a demotion to Triple A in May, Butler made a triumphant return on June 18. From that point on, he batted .291/.330/.565, hitting 20 home runs and stealing 15 bases over 330 plate appearances. His performance was a revelation, and it has now been rewarded with a lucrative contract.
Primarily a right fielder, Butler’s deal is reminiscent of the seven-year, $63.5 million contract given last year to then-22-year-old shortstop Ezequiel Tovar by the Colorado Rockies. The average annual value of Butler’s contract is the second highest for a player with one-plus year of major league service, trailing only the Atlanta Braves‘ deal with right-hander Spencer Strider.
The Athletics, who will be playing the next three seasons in West Sacramento following a contentious 2024 departure from Oakland, have been spending at an unprecedented rate. Before this winter, their largest contract guarantee was $66 million, given to Eric Chavez over two decades ago. In addition to the contracts for Butler and Rooker, the A’s set a new franchise high with a three-year, $67 million agreement for free agent right-hander Luis Severino in December. This spending spree was necessary to avoid a potential grievance from the players’ association for not investing enough revenue-sharing money into payroll.
Whether the A’s can make a serious run in the wide-open American League West this year will depend heavily on the performances of Butler, Severino, Rooker, center fielder JJ Bleday, catcher Shea Langeliers, left-handers Jeffrey Springs and JP Sears, and All-Star closer Mason Miller. The A’s, once regulars in the playoffs, last made the postseason in 2020. Since then, owner John Fisher has significantly reduced payroll amid the team’s move to Las Vegas.
The Athletics are betting big on Butler being a cornerstone of the team as they transition to their new home. His contract is guaranteed through 2031, with a club option for 2032, underscoring the team’s belief in his potential to lead them into a new era of success.
- Lawrence Butler: 7-year, $65.5 million contract
- Brent Rooker: 5-year, $60 million extension
- Largest previous contract: Eric Chavez, $66 million
- New franchise high: Luis Severino, 3-year, $67 million
As the Athletics prepare for their future in Las Vegas, the commitment to players like Butler signals a new chapter for the franchise. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if these investments pay off in the form of playoff appearances and, perhaps, a return to the glory days of Oakland baseball.
Originally Written by: Jeff Passan
