A's free agent signing anniversary: Designated hitter Billy Butler

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On this date four years ago, the A's signed free agent designated hitter Billy Butler to a three-year, $30 million contract.

Butler, who was 28 at the time, had spent his first eight MLB seasons with the Kansas City Royals. His best season came in 2012 when he slashed .313/.373/.510 with a career-high 29 home runs and 107 RBI. He was named an All-Star and won a Silver Slugger.

However, Butler's production did not carry over to Oakland. In 2015, he slashed a career-worst .251/.323/.390 with 15 homers and 65 RBI.

The following season, Butler was involved in the now infamous clubhouse fight with teammate Danny Valencia, sustaining a concussion. The A's would release Butler less than a month later.

[RELATED: A's relsease Billy Butler]

It's safe to say the Butler signing did not work out for Oakland, both on and off the field. While it seemed like a reasonable contract at the time, Butler failed to live up to it in his two seasons with the A's.

The biggest takeaway from the signing has to be the importance of character and personality when it comes to clubhouse chemistry. It's actually quite remarkable that the A's went from literally fighting in the clubhouse to having one of the most cohesive groups in the league in a span of just two years.

When it comes to this offseason, Billy Beane, David Forst, and Bob Melvin understand the significance of the team's chemistry and will be careful not to upset it. Talent and production will certainly factor into their decisions, but so will character.

It's also important to note that offensive production doesn't always carry over between home ballparks. The Coliseum can be a nightmare for power hitters and Butler could never wake up.

Of course, the A's figure to focus primarily on pitching this offseason, which could have the opposite effect. Pitchers who have struggled in other ballparks often find success at the Coliseum (see: Trevor Cahill). That should work in the A's favor.

As for Butler, 2016 marks the last time he played in the majors. Following his release from Oakland, he signed with the Yankees but only played in 12 games. Unfortunately, he will always be remembered for that one clubhouse incident in Oakland.

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