The Oakland Athletics are gearing up for the upcoming baseball season, with a focus on their outfield and utility players. One key player to watch is Lawrence Butler, who is set to make his first Spring Training appearance as a designated hitter against the White Sox. Butler, who played through a right knee injury late in the 2025 season, underwent postseason patellar tendon surgery but is confident he'll be ready for Opening Day. He's been taking hitting drills throughout camp and will likely get his first outfield work during Thursday's game against the Mariners.
Butler's performance in 2025 was a step back from his impressive 2024 second half, where he established himself as a core piece of the team. His .234/.306/.404 showing across 630 plate appearances was around league average, with a 20-20 campaign and 30 doubles. However, his injury may have played a role in this decline. Butler's struggles against left-handed pitching (.228/.261/.397 with a third of his at-bats resulting in strikeouts) are a concern, but the A's remain committed to him as an everyday player.
The A's have also made some moves to support Butler, claiming righty-hitting utility player Andy Ibáñez from the Dodgers last month. Ibáñez, primarily an infielder, could be an option in right field if the A's want to shield Butler from lefties and give him some rest early in the season. Additionally, the team made some camp cuts over the weekend, reassigning top prospects Leo De Vries and Gage Jump to minor league camp.
De Vries, who played the entire season at 19, had a remarkable first MLB camp, batting .409 with three homers and doubles apiece in 17 games. His performance between High-A and Double-A (.255/.355/.451) suggests he could be a midseason promotion, although it would be an extremely aggressive call. Jump, a left-handed pitcher, took the ball four times this spring, tossing 9 2/3 innings of two-run ball with seven strikeouts and three walks. With the back of the A's rotation open, Jump could pitch his way to West Sacramento by the All-Star Break.
In summary, the A's are preparing for the season with a mix of established players and promising prospects. Butler's return from injury and the team's support for him will be crucial to their success, while De Vries and Jump's impressive performances in camp could lead to midseason promotions. The A's are building a strong foundation for the future, with a focus on both immediate and long-term success.
