Bound in Sacramento, A locked another of their young stars.
Lawrence Butler has signed a seven-year, $65.5 million extension, including club options for the final season. John Heyman confirmed the post.
The contract — the third largest in team history — could be maximized at $87.5 million, Heyman reported.
The 24-year-old outfielder spent his breakout season in 2024, reaching .262/.317/.490 on 22 home runs and 18 stolen bases.
After struggling early and a brief relegation to minors, Butler hit .291/.330/.565 on 20 home runs and 15 stolen bases from mid-June, moving the A into an incredibly solid second half.
Starting June 18th, Butler was recalled – until the end of the season, A was 43-45.
Overall, the A scored 19 wins 69-93 after the historically bad 50-112 season in 2023.
The signature comes two months after A gave outfielder Brent Luker a five-year, $60 million contract extension.
Earlier this offseason, the A reached an agreement with starting pitcher Luis Seveno on a three-year deal worth $67 million, the largest free agency deal in franchise history.
For years, A has been one of the lowest spending teams in the sport.
In 2024, they had a MLB low of $66.5 million in total salary.
Later this month, Butler and A will begin their first season of at least three seasons in Sacramento. This is the first season of a non-Auckland franchise since the 1968 season.
A plans to move the franchise to Las Vegas in 2028.
