OAKLAND -- The A's released designated hitter Billy Butler on Sunday morning, cutting ties with a player whose production didn't live up to the three-year, $30 million contract he was given.
Butler exited the A's clubhouse with bags packed shortly after the media's access period began. He declined comment as he left.
Butler's contract runs through next season, and the A's are on the hook for the approximately $11.7 million he is owed in 2017.
In two seasons with the A's, Butler hit .258/.325/.394 with 44 doubles, 19 home runs and 96 RBI.