Lawrence Butler Signs Seven-Year Deal with Athletics Worth $65.5 Million

OAKLAND, Calif. — Outfielder Lawrence Butler has reached an agreement with the Oakland Athletics on a seven-year contract extension valued at $65.5 million, including one club option, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported late Thursday. The extension marks a significant commitment from the A’s as they aim to build around the talented 24-year-old.

Butler’s agreement comes on the heels of a breakout 2024 season, where he recorded a 131 OPS+ while hitting 22 home runs, driving in 57 RBIs, and stealing 18 bases over 125 games. His performance improved notably after the All-Star break, during which he tallied 13 home runs and 32 RBIs, finishing with an .898 OPS during the final stretch of the season.

The deal is pending a physical examination and reflects the club’s intent to solidify Butler’s status as a foundational player. “This is a win-win situation for both Lawrence and the Athletics,” said one league source. “He has proven himself capable at the major league level and this contract allows him security while giving the team a core player for years to come.”

The A’s have had a dynamic offseason, having also secured veteran pitchers Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs to enhance their rotation, alongside reliever José Leclerc. Furthermore, earlier this year, the club re-signed Silver Slugger Brent Rooker to a five-year, $60 million extension, indicating their strategy to strengthen their lineup and pitching staff.

As the franchise prepares for the upcoming season, the Athletics will play their home games at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. The team is also in the process of planning a new stadium in Las Vegas, a move that reflects their long-term aspirations.

Sports analysts believe that Butler’s extension is not just pivotal for his career but indicates the A’s commitment to developing young talent amid a changing landscape in Major League Baseball.