Butler lined the walk-off against Aroldis Chapman, a ninth-inning single that snapped a Boston streak and underscored Butler’s late-season clutch for Oakland.

Butler’s outfield defense is noted as a key defensive element, with his absence in center potentially impacting routine fly balls. His speed and coverage could unlock more upside for Oakland’s outfield, even if the bat remains a touch inconsistent.

Butler sits at the center of a milestone conversation, with a realistic path to 20-20 as a burgeoning power-speed option. His month-to-month productivity in September will help determine if he can anchor a 2026 outfield or serve as an appealing trade chip for a rebuild.

Butler added an RBI double in the ninth, providing Oakland with a late push but insufficient to complete the comeback against Texas.

Butler’s early contributor provided the Athletics with a spark, including a key run-scoring hit in the third. While Oakland trailed most of the night, Butler’s performance offered a glimpse of potential power and speed upside in a lineup that needs breakout performances to compete consistently.