The Oakland Athletics are making significant strides towards a promising future. They secured one of their brightest stars, Lawrence Butler, with a seven-year contract extension. This deal is worth $65.5 million and includes a club option for 2032. It underscores the A’s commitment to Butler as a cornerstone of their franchise.
Butler’s remarkable performance in the latter half of the 2024 season has positioned him as a key player in the A’s plans. As they prepare for their temporary relocation to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento and an eventual move to a new ballpark in Las Vegas by 2028. This contract extension not only cements Butler’s place in the team but also signals the A’s long-term vision for success.
Lawrence Butler’s Breakout Season
Lawrence Butler’s journey to stardom began in earnest during the second half of the 2024 season. The 24-year-old right fielder delivered an impressive slash line of .302/.346/.597 with a stellar .943 OPS. Over his final 73 games, he hit 20 home runs, 18 doubles, and two triples, while driving in 49 RBIs and stealing 14 bases. This exceptional performance not only caught the attention of fans but also placed him among elite company.
Joining Elite Company
During his remarkable stretch, Butler became only the third player aged 24 or younger to achieve multiple three-homer games in a season. He now joins the ranks of Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner and Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts. His offensive prowess was further highlighted by his 167 wRC+ from June 30 through the end of the 2024 season, ranking eighth highest among all players during that period.
The only players ahead of him were:
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- Juan Soto (174)
- Shohei Ohtani (181)
- Brent Rooker (181)
- Yordan Alvarez (187)
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (189)
- Bobby Witt Jr. (196)
- Aaron Judge (225)
The A’s Vision for the Future
The Oakland Athletics are not just extending contracts; they are building a vision for the future. Alongside Butler, the A’s have also secured Brent Rooker with a five-year, $60 million extension earlier this year. These moves are part of a broader strategy to develop a strong core of players as the team navigates its temporary relocation to West Sacramento and prepares for the eventual move to Las Vegas.
Relocating to West Sacramento
As the A’s gear up for their temporary move to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, they are laying the foundation for a new era of baseball. This relocation is a stepping stone towards their ultimate goal of establishing a state-of-the-art ballpark in Las Vegas by the 2028 Opening Day. The commitment to players like Butler and Rooker is a testament to the A’s dedication to building a competitive team that can thrive in their new home.
Lawrence Butler’s Commitment to the A’s
Butler’s dedication to the A’s is evident in his own words. He has expressed his deep appreciation for the organization that gave him his start as a young 17-year-old out of high school. Butler’s desire to build a lasting legacy with the A’s is clear, and this contract extension provides him with the opportunity to do just that.
Building a Legacy
Butler’s aspirations go beyond just playing for the A’s; he hopes to have his jersey retired and be remembered alongside A’s legends like Dave Stewart and Rickey Henderson. With this new contract, Butler has the chance to continue developing his skills and contributing to the team’s success for years to come.
Managerial Stability
In addition to securing key players, the A’s have also ensured stability in their managerial ranks. Manager Mark Kotsay recently signed a three-year extension with a club option for 2029. This extension keeps Kotsay at the helm through the West Sacramento years and at least the team’s first season in Las Vegas. Kotsay’s leadership will be crucial as the A’s navigate this transitional period and strive for success in their new ballpark.
Conclusion
The Oakland Athletics’ decision to extend Lawrence Butler’s contract is a clear indication of their commitment to building a competitive and successful team for the future.
Butler’s breakout season, combined with the A’s strategic moves, sets the stage for an exciting new era of baseball.
As the team prepares for its temporary relocation to West Sacramento and eventual move to Las Vegas, fans can look forward to seeing Butler and his teammates continue to thrive and build a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
For more details on Lawrence Butler’s contract extension and the A’s future plans, you can read the full article on MLB.com.
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