OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)- The Oakland Athletics have agreed to terms on a $30 million, three-year contract with designated hitter Billy Butler through the 2017 season.

Butler helped the Kansas City Royals reach the World Series last month after a 29-year playoff drought. In the postseason opener, they rallied late to eliminate Oakland in the AL wild-card game. Butler contributed two hits and two RBIs.

After losing to the San Francisco Giants in seven games, the Royals declined their $12.5 million option on Butler for next season, making the 2012 All-Star a free agent for the first time in his eight-year career.

The Royals, who selected Butler with the 14th overall pick in the 2004 draft, owed him a $1 million buyout.