Lawrence Butler could be overlooked part of Oakland A’s future

As the Oakland A’s appear to be preparing for a teardown of their roster, they are going to need to identify players that can be a part of their future. One such player may be minor league first baseman/outfielder Lawrence Butler.

Butler was taken in the sixth round of the 2018 MLB Draft although he was committed to play at West Virginia. A $280,000 signing bonus convinced him to forgo that commitment as he began his professional career. He struggled in his first two seasons, failing to make consistent contact which left his power potential dormant.

Lawrence Butler working his way into Oakland A’s future

That changed in 2021. He stopped swinging at borderline pitches and worked to command the strike zone better. That led to what was easily his best season as a professional, as he posted a .273/.367/.504 batting line in his 450 plate appearances between two levels, hitting 19 homers and 24 doubles while stealing 29 bases.

There are still some concerns to his game. Butler has a long swing, which impacts his strikeout rates as he struck out 146 times last season. However, his swing packs a great deal of power when he connects, allowing him to hit the ball out to all fields.

Although he is not particularly fast, Butler is quite adept on the basepaths. He can steal a base and runs well, taking extra bases when the opportunity arises. Butler has also improved defensively at both first and in the outfield, giving him that defensive flexibility that the A’s look for.

In the end, it will be Butler’s power potential that moves him up the ladder. His 19 homers were the fourth most in the A’s system, and the most of anyone that could be considered a prospect. As long as he continues to improve his ability to make contact, that power and defensive versatility will make Butler a prospect to watch.

Lawrence Butler is an overlooked player in the Oakland A’s system. His power potential could help him move up the ladder and into the A’s future.