KC Royals: Top Five Highest Paid Players In 2014

Kansas City Royals designated hitter Billy Butler – Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Billy Butler wasn’t awful in 2014, but neither was he very good. He earned $8 million last year, and his inconsistency was frustrating at times. For a team to carry a player who is predominantly just a designated hitter, that player better hit.

Butler didn’t, at least not at the level he should. In 603 plate appearances, he hit just nine home runs, his fewest dingers since knocking out eight in his rookie campaign in 2007, in only 360 plate appearances.

He also had his lowest RBI total (66) since 2008. His Strikeout Rate (15.9%) was the second highest of his career, and his Walk Rate (6.8%) was a career low. Plus, he had a career low Batting Average. None of this spells success .

• .271 Batting Average (career low)
• .323 On Base Percentage (career low)
• .379 Slugging Percentage (career low – by 21 points)
• 9 Home Runs
• 66 RBI, 57 Runs
• 21 Grounded Into Double Plays

The KC Royals had the option to pay Butler $12.5 million in 2015, but chose to buy out his contract for $1 million. He went on to sign a surprising three-year deal with the Oakland Athletics for $30 million.

In reality, the Royals couldn’t afford to take the chance Butler could return to his 2012 production (.313 BA, 29 HR). He didn’t come close to earning $8 million in 2014, let alone $12.5 million.

Butler was a bargain in 2012, but after two downward trending seasons in a row, he was no longer offering value.

It should be noted Butler didn’t open any eyes in the post season either. He hit just .262, with no home runs, although he did have eight RBI.

Next: 2nd Highest Paid Player in 2014