The Oakland Athletics have reached a significant agreement with outfielder Lawrence Butler, finalizing a seven-year contract extension valued at $65.5 million. This milestone deal was confirmed by multiple sources close to the negotiations. Butler, who made his mark during the previous season with a promising batting average of .278 alongside 21 home runs and 78 RBIs, is viewed as a cornerstone player for the struggling franchise. A’s General Manager, David Forst, expressed his enthusiasm about the extension, stating, ‘Lawrence has shown us tremendous potential and we believe his best years are ahead of him.’ The contract, which is amongst the largest ever offered by the Athletics, reflects the team’s commitment to rebuilding their roster with young talent. Butler, only 23 years old, has rapidly emerged as a fan favorite, with his combination of speed and power making him an exciting player to watch. He expressed his gratitude towards the organization, saying, ‘I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to be part of the A’s future.’ With this extension, the Athletics aim to strengthen their competitiveness in the league, as they navigate through an ongoing rebuilding phase. The deal also includes additional performance incentives, potentially increasing its total value. As the upcoming season approaches, both the team and Butler are looking to make significant impacts on the field, enhancing hopes for a better season amid a period of transition.
Lawrence Butler and Oakland Athletics Agree to Historic 7-Year, $65.5 Million Extension
