The Athletics are signing right fielder Lawrence Butler to a seven-year, $65.5 million contract extension, multiple outlets reported.
MLB.com reported the deal, which is pending a physical, includes a team option for 2032. While Butler was not eligible for free agency until 2029, the A’s seemingly are committed to building a foundation for the future as they prepare to relocate to Las Vegas, planned for 2028.
In January, the A’s signed outfielder/designated hitter Brent Rooker to an extension with the highest annual average value — $12 million on a five-year, $60 million contract — that could be worth millions more if incentives are met.
Butler, 24, had a strong rookie season, hitting. .262 with 24 doubles, two triples, 22 home runs, 57 RBIs and 18 stolen bases over 125 games.
In his 61 games after the All-Star break, he hit .300 with 43 runs, 13 homers and 32 RBIs.
Entering Friday, he’s batting .563 (9-for-16) with two homers, five RBIs and five runs in spring training.
At the A’s spring training facility in Mesa, Ariz., Butler told reporters a few weeks ago how much he wanted to spend his entire career with the Athletics.
“It would mean everything to me,” Butler said. “I love the A’s. They’re the team that gave me an opportunity as a young 17-year-old out of high school. I’m grateful for that opportunity and I’ve developed some of my best friendships here. For me to play here for (many more) years, it’ll mean a lot to me.
“At the end of my career, I would love to have my jersey retired here and be talked about like Dave Stewart and Rickey Henderson. That would be amazing.”
