Athletics Eye Long-Term Deal for Rising Star Lawrence Butler After Stellar 2024 Season
February 21, 2025
Details of the contract discussions remain unclear, with possibilities ranging from a standard extension covering arbitration years to a more lucrative deal that includes free-agent years.
The team's recent spending may be a strategy to avoid grievances with the MLBPA regarding their use of revenue-sharing funds.
The Athletics have been active in the offseason, signing players like Luis Severino and Brent Rooker to extensions as they prepare for their first season in Sacramento.
Butler is projected to earn $800,000 in the 2025 season and will enter pre-arbitration in 2026, indicating a potential for a significant contract in the near future.
Butler's career OPS+ stands at 115 across two seasons, and he is on track for arbitration eligibility after the 2026 season and free agency after 2029.
Teammate Brent Rooker praised Butler's talent, suggesting that he is on his way to becoming a superstar.
Manager Mark Kotsay emphasized the importance of retaining core players, acknowledging that players must also desire to remain with the team.
Butler, 24, had an impressive second half in 2024, achieving a .302 batting average, 20 home runs, and 49 RBIs over 73 games after being recalled in June.
The Oakland Athletics are in discussions to secure a long-term contract extension for their promising outfielder, Lawrence Butler, following his breakout performance in the 2024 season.
The Athletics view Butler as a key player in their future plans as they aim to build a competitive young team.
General Manager David Forst confirmed ongoing extension talks with multiple players, aiming to retain the team's core as they prepare for a move to Las Vegas.
Butler expressed his happiness with the organization, stating that a long-term contract would mean everything to him and that he aspires to have his jersey retired alongside A's legends.
Summary based on 5 sources
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Sources

The Athletic • Feb 20, 2025
Lawrence Butler and A’s talking long-term contract extension: Sources
CBSSports.com • Feb 20, 2025
Breakout star Lawrence Butler in talks on contract extension with Athletics, per report
MLB • Feb 21, 2025
After breakout season, Butler sets lofty goals for '25 and beyond
theScore • Feb 20, 2025
Report: Athletics, Butler discussing extension