One of the biggest mistakes of the A’s recent past, Billy Butler, is no longer part of the team.
Butler, signed to a three-year, $30 million deal before last season, was released Sunday. The A’s will be on the hook for his $10 million salary next year minus any prorated portion of the major-league minimum should he sign with another club.
The DH, 30, batted .258 with 19 homers and 96 RBIs in his nearly two years with the A’s; he was a .295 career hitter in eight seasons with Kansas City.
In addition, Butler was involved in a clubhouse scrap with teammate Danny Valencia last month.