Lawrence Butler: The Unsung Star of the Oakland Athletics
Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler believes he’s one of the more "slept-on" stars in Major League Baseball. In an exclusive interview with the San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser, Butler expressed his belief that he has been overlooked, despite his growing influence and performance on the field. “I mean, I’ve been slept on,” Butler stated. “I feel like I’m a star.” At just 24 years old, Butler has plenty of reasons to feel confident about his place in the league.
A Journey of Persistence and Growth
Butler’s journey to stardom has been a tale of persistence and growth. Drafted by the Athletics in 2018 with the 173rd overall pick, Butler spent four seasons in the minors before finally making his major league debut. Initially, he struggled to find his footing in the majors, leading to a demotion to Triple-A Las Vegas last season. However, this setback proved to be a turning point for the Georgia native. Butler tweaked his swing and leaned heavily on his support system, which included his family, friends, and the Athletics’ coaching staff. His dedication paid off when he was called back to the big league club on June 18.
A Breakout Second Half
Butler’s return to the majors marked the beginning of a breakout second half of the 2024 season. Over the final 84 games, he slashed an impressive .291/.330/.565, accumulating 89 hits, 50 RBIs, and 20 home runs. His performance was instrumental in helping the Athletics finish the season with a 35-35 record after a tumultuous start that saw them win just 34 of their first 92 games. “It’s all about trusting the process,” Butler said in an interview with NBC Sports California. “Baseball is full of ups and downs. Just because you’re struggling, you can’t dwell on it or let that eat you up. You just got to take it day by day and think of every day as ‘This might be the start of a crazy run,’ like I’m on right now.”
Support and Confidence
Butler credits his success to the unwavering support he received from those around him. “Everybody — staff, family, friends — everybody just talked to me always and had great things to say about me,” he said. “They kept my head up, trying to keep me confident. I really appreciate all of them. Everybody has come over, talked to me, said some things about me, even when I was going bad. So, I appreciate all of them for that.” This support system played a crucial role in his mental and physical resilience, helping him overcome the challenges that often come with breaking into the major leagues.
Recognition and Future Potential
Butler’s standout performance has not gone unnoticed by his peers and the Athletics organization. Athletics outfielder Seth Brown recalled Butler’s second-half surge vividly. “He had a few weeks last season where it was just like, ‘Man, if his bat touches the ball, it’s either a homer or a double,’” Brown said. “He gets in those zones where everything he swings at, it’s a barrel. It’s going to be fun to see a bigger sample size from him and watch him doing his thing all season.” Brent Rooker, one of Butler’s close friends, echoed similar sentiments. “He has every skill, every tool necessary to be a top-tier player,” Rooker said. “I think he’s shown that ability already, and he’s only going to get better, keep refining his already pretty advanced approach, use his athleticism. It’s exciting.”
Manager Kotsay’s Vision
Keeping Butler on his A-game is the responsibility of Athletics manager Mark Kotsay, and the recently extended skipper is eager to take on this challenge. “He’s maturing in the right direction, he understands what it means to put the work in and to want to be great,” Kotsay said. “We had a great conversation the other day about his defensive play, and I brought to his attention where he ranks in outs above average last season (zero, according to Statcast) and he wasn’t real happy about it and neither am I.” Kotsay believes that with continued focus and refinement, Butler’s defensive skills will improve, making him a more complete player.
A Bright Future Ahead
Whether Butler is considered a star or not is ultimately a matter of perspective, but his performance and potential are undeniable. As he enters what should be his first full season in the majors during the 2025 MLB season, Butler is determined to earn the respect and recognition he believes he deserves. His combination of power, speed, and a growing defensive skill set positions him to continue climbing the ranks and solidifying his place among baseball’s brightest stars.
