MESA, Ariz. — As Lawrence Butler basked in the Arizona sun, seated conspicuously in right field at Hohokam Stadium, his joy was undeniable. This placement was deliberate, symbolizing the role he is anticipated to play for the Athletics, thanks to a freshly inked $65.5 million, seven-year contract.
Butler, a 24-year-old talent, is expected to anchor right field through at least 2031. This comes as the Athletics navigate a transitional period, playing in a Sacramento-area minor league stadium before their planned move to Las Vegas.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” said Butler. “Many of us have been together since Low-A ball. Advancing through the ranks and finding success in the major leagues is a significant achievement for both us and the organization as a whole. The A’s have a commitment to developing players, not just drafting and shelving them.”
The contract extends further with a team option for 2032, potentially raising the value to $81.5 million, alongside additional escalators that could further elevate it to $87.5 million.
Butler, hailing from Georgia and initially a sixth-round pick in the 2018 draft, started with Oakland but was sent to Triple-A Las Vegas last May after a challenging initial stint, hitting .179 over 41 games. Upon his return in mid-June, however, he shone with a .291 average, culminating the season at .262 with 22 home runs and 18 stolen bases. This turnaround coincided with the A’s own resurgence, culminating in a post-All-Star 32-32 record, fostering optimism for a realistic playoff contention by 2025.
“What we see in Butler epitomizes the values and aspirations of our franchise,” said Athletics general manager David Forst. “As a sixth-round draftee, his journey is a testament to our scouting team, especially Jemel Spearman, who identified his potential amidst the search.”
After enduring three years as the lowest payroll team in Major League Baseball, the Athletics are now investing heavily in their future. Besides Butler, they have secured designated hitter Brent Rooker on a $60 million five-year deal and pitcher Luis Severino for $67 million over three years. Manager Mark Kotsay’s contract has also been extended through 2028.
“We’re entering an exhilarating phase with the A’s,” Forst enthused. “Many of the initiatives we are implementing now were aspirational until our move to Las Vegas was confirmed and scheduled for 2028, marking a new chapter for us.”
Butler’s contract includes a $3 million signing bonus, distributed in parts over the coming years. His annual earnings will escalate from $2.25 million this year to $16 million by 2031. The team’s option for 2032 is set at $20 million, potentially subject to MVP-related increases.
Last season, Butler earned $627,000, split between major and minor league rates, and was poised to be eligible for salary arbitration post-2026, with free agency on the horizon after the 2029 World Series.
