Billy Butler arrived in the Kansas City organization as a first-round selection in 2004, a hitter whose natural affinity for the gaps made him one of the most prolific doubles machines in franchise history. While his defensive limitations eventually led to a permanent role as a designated hitter, he became the club’s primary offensive engine during the lean years of the late 2000s.
Debuting for the Royals in 2007, Butler recorded a career-high 29 home runs and 107 RBIs while batting .313. That season, he won his first career All-Star selection and won the Edgar Martinez Award as the American League’s premier designated hitter. This performance was the crown jewel of a five-year stretch (2009–2013) where he consistently delivered at least 15 home runs and 80 RBIs.
He had three seasons in which he batted .300, and in 2014, his veteran presence helped the Royals reach the World Series, but that was when his Kansas City run came to an end. Butler signed with the Oakland Athletics, though he would never have a season as he did in powder blue.
As a Royal, Butler compiled 1,273 hits, 127 home runs, and the 2012 Silver Slugger Award.
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