A's Reportedly Sign Veteran DH Billy Butler To 3-Year Deal
OAKLAND (CBS SF) - The Oakland Athletics have apparently agreed to a three year contract with Kansas City fan favorite Billy Butler.
ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the A's will spend $30 million to add the 8-year veteran. Butler is a career .295 hitter who has belted 127 home runs over his time in Kansas City, where he had become a fan favorite.
Butler, who was a mainstay in the middle of the lineup for the 2014 American League Champions, has experience playing first base, but his defensive abilities will likely limit him to primarily to the designated hitter role in Oakland.
The 28-year-old is a one time All-Star and former first round pick. He hit .271 with nine home runs last season.
The A's rotated Alberto Callaspo, John Jaso, Adam Dunn and others through the DH spot last season.