The 2014 season has not gone the way that Billy Butler had imagined. Owed a $12.5 million club option for 2015 there is no guarantee he will remain with the Kansas City Royals beyond this season.
That of course does not mean that the 28-year-old Butler wants out of Kansas City.
“If the option doesn’t work, I’d be more than happy to renegotiate in any type of way. I’ve always said that,” Butler said on Monday via the Royals website.
Butler’s buyout for next season is $1 million.
“I’ve been with the Royals for my whole career so why wouldn’t I? It’s all I’ve ever known and I love it here. I never said anything about, ‘Oh, it’s my option year, take it or leave it.'”
Butler is making $8 million this season. Given that Butler is unlikely to have his option picked up next season he may be willing to extend his contract a few years for salary security.
“George [Brett] always told me and I agree with it: ‘Everything I’ve got is from the Kansas City Royals,'” Butler said. “Everything I have is from them taking a shot with me. They had faith in me and I felt like I responded in a good manner for them. Every day, I go out there and try to give it back to them.”
Butler was an All-Star and centerpiece of a Silver Slugger in 2012 but is hitting just .269/.320/.348 with three home runs and 36 RBI tough 96 games this season.
