The Oakland A’s are trying to lock down their newest star before he gets too expensive.
The team is working on a long-term deal with outfielder Lawrence Butler, who’s quickly becoming one of baseball’s most exciting young players.
Butler, just 24, had a breakout year in 2024 that turned heads across the league. He hit .262 with 22 home runs and was perfect in stealing bases, going 18-for-18 on the basepaths.
"I love being here. I’m excited to be here," Butler told reporters Wednesday when asked about a possible extension. "Hey, whatever the organization chooses to do, I’m happy with it."
The timing is interesting. The A’s are about to play their first season in Sacramento while they figure out their planned move to Las Vegas.
They’ve been unusually active this winter, opening their wallets in a way that’s surprised many fans. They signed pitcher Luis Severino, traded for Jeffrey Springs, and locked up All-Star Brent Rooker to a five-year deal.
A long-term contract for Butler would fit right into this pattern.
Right now, Butler won’t be a free agent until after the 2029 season. Any extension would likely cover his arbitration years, which start after 2026, but could also keep him with the team even longer.
For a player who was just a sixth-round pick out of high school in Georgia, Butler’s rise has been impressive. In his young career, he’s hitting 15% better than the league average – and he’s still getting better.
The A’s recent spending spree might have something to do with avoiding trouble with the players’ union, which keeps an eye on how teams use their revenue-sharing money. But locking up a young talent like Butler? That’s just smart baseball.
