The Lansing Lugnuts have had a strong showing of players who have gone on to make it to the major leagues since becoming affiliated with the Athletics in 2021.
The opening few seasons of a 10-year player development partnership between the Lugnuts and Athletics has already resulted in 16 players making it from Lansing to the bigs. That has helped push the total of former Lugnuts to appear in a Major League Baseball game to 203 in the nearly three decades Lansing has been home to a minor league team.
As the Lugnuts open the home schedule for the 29th season in franchise history at 6:05 p.m. Tuesday against the Great Lakes Loons, here’s a look at five notable former Lansing players to reach the majors so far in their partnership with the A’s.
LAWRENCE BUTLER
▶ Time with Lugnuts: 2021, 2022
▶ What he’s done: The outfielder has been the most successful hitter at the major league level of those who have spent time with the Lugnuts. He hit 22 home runs and drove in 67 while batting .262 and stealing eight bases last season. That resulted in the A's locking up Butler with a contract extension prior to the season. He was one of the stars for the Lugnuts in 2022, hitting 11 home runs, along with 19 doubles and three triples while driving in 41 and batting .270 in 81 games.
MASON MILLER
▶ Time with Lugnuts: 2022
▶ What he’s done: Miller was an American League all-star last season for the Athletics, registering 28 saves and striking out 104 in 65 innings while establishing himself as a key bullpen presence after he made six starts during his MLB debut in 2023. Miller already has three saves this season. Fans didn't have much of an opportunity to see him with the Lugnuts as he appeared in just three games and pitched seven innings during his brief time in Lansing.
TYLER SODERSTROM
▶ Time with Lugnuts: 2022
▶ What he’s done: The first baseman had nine home runs, 10 doubles and 26 RBIs while batting .233 in 61 games in the majors last season. So far this season, Soderstrom ranks among the American League leaders with four homers while batting .359 through 10 games entering play Monday. Soderstrom was a Midwest League postseason all-star in 2022 with the Lugnuts after batting .260 with 20 home runs, 19 doubles, three triples and 71 RBIs in 89 games before ...
