In this Royals rumors and news update, struggling Kansas City Royals designated hitter Billy Butler could find himself on the way to Seattle this summer if talks between the Royals and Mariners begin to heat up.
According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Royals are one of several teams that the Mariners have contacted in regards to landing an impact right-handed bat:
#Mariners casting a wide net in search of a bat. They've even talked to #royals about Billy Butler (he of the .355 SLG%)
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 15, 2014
Butler is posting career-lows in batting average (.273) and slugging percentage (.355) this season. He also has just three home runs in 379 plate appearances, marking a huge drop off in power from previous seasons.
From 2009-12, Butler had an OPS each year in the range of .820 to .885. That dropped to .787 in 2013, however, and to just .679 so far this year.
Butler's $8 million salary for 2014 isn't prohibitive by any stretch - especially if the Mariners see a way to turn his sagging fortunes around. His contract also contains a $12.5 million team option for 2015, with a $1 million buyout if declined.
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