Lawrence Butler won’t hit free agency until after the 2029 season and isn’t arbitration-eligible until 2026. Still, the Athletics are wasting no time entering extension talks with the outfielder after his breakout 2024 campaign. After one of the more active offseasons in recent years, extending Butler would secure a big part of the Athletics future.
Athletics to Enter Extension Talks with Breakout Outfielder
Newly extended manager Mark Kotsay hinted that the organization wanted to extend some of their young core. Butler, whom the Athletics drafted in the sixth round of the 2018 draft, was the organization’s sixth-ranked prospect going into the 2024 season. After a poor first half of the 2024 season, the team sent Butler to Triple-A Las Vegas on May 14. After they recalled him in June, Butler slashed .291/.330/.595, adding 20 home runs and 18 stolen bases. He finished the season accumulating 3.0 WAR,
Speaking to reporters this week, Butler expressed interest in inking an extension with the Athletics. “It would mean everything to me,” Butler said. “For me to play here for years, it’ll mean a lot to me.” The Athletics have five years until Butler becomes a free agent, but locking up Butler now could save them money in the long run. By buying out his arbitration years and extending him now, Butler will remain a staple in the A’s outfield as they make the transition to Las Vegas.
The organization also extended designated hitter Brent Rooker this offseason. Rooker received a five-year, $60 million extension. That could be the base that the team goes off when looking to extend Butler. Butler’s deal could also look similar to other players who have recently had their arbitration years bought out, such as Ezequiel Tovar or Michael Harris, both of whom inked deals in the 6-8 year, $60-80 million range.
Locking Down Their Future
The Athletics had one of their most active offseasons in recent memory this winter, bolstering their rotation with arms such as Luis Severino and Jeffery Springs, adding Jose Leclerc to their bullpen, and bringing in Gio Urshela to bolster their lineup. General Manager David Forst said he was engaged in contract talks with other players on the roster. Although he didn’t name anyone, players such as Mason Miller, Shea Langeliers, JJ Bleday, and Zack Gelof could all be seen as extension candidates. Locking down Butler is only the start, but the Athletics have one of the more promising futures in the MLB.
Main Photo Credits: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
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