The Kansas City Royals extended a one-year Qualifying Offer to right-handed pitcher James Shields for the 2015 season. Shields has until November 10 at 4 p.m. CT to accept or decline the offer. A declined Qualifying Offer would mean the Royals would receive an additional selection at the end of the first round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft should Shields sign with another Major League team.
The Royals picked up their one-year option for $7 million on reliever Wade Davis. The 29 year old had a 9-2 record, three saves and a 1.00 ERA in a team-high 71 appearances. His ERA was the best among Major League relievers, and his 109 strikeouts in 72 innings were a club record out of the bullpen. Davis surpassed the 103 by Holland last year and Jim York in 1971.
In 12 postseason appearances, Davis was 2-0 with a 0.63 ERA, with 20 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings. He gave up one earned run, eight hits and two walks.
This move was expected as was the decision to decline to exercise a $12.5 million club option on Butler’s 2015 contract. GM Dayton Moore is open to negotiating a long term deal with Butler and Billy wants to stay with the Royals, but he is a free agent and he needs to look at all offers that come his way.
Butler had a career-low .271 batting average in 151 games. His nine home runs and 66 RBIs were the lowest totals in his six full seasons with Kansas City. He was a first round pick of the club in 2004.