OAKLAND, Calif. — Billy Butler came so close to winning it all with Kansas City that it stings to be leaving his only professional team after such a special run, and with some unfinished business.

Then the Oakland Athletics came calling when his old club did not, and Butler is someone who prides himself in loyalty — in this case to A’s general manager Billy Beane’s persistence and interest in striking a quick deal.

The versatile Butler finalized a $30 million, three-year contract with the A’s on Wednesday. He receives a $5 million signing bonus payable by Dec. 31, a $5 million salary next year and $10 million in each of the final two seasons.

“We gave them a chance,” Butler said of the Royals. “It didn’t work out. It’s unfortunate. I enjoyed every day of the last 10 years, 10 years is a long time, just in life. I enjoyed every minute of it. It dampens it a little bit for me that we got to the top of where we’re at and now I’m gone. I’m glad I got to see it through this year. ... It hurts a little bit that I’m not going to get to see the rest of that go through.”

“I’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. I’m really honored to have been a Royal.”

Always looking for a middle-of-the-lineup hitter with pop, Butler provides manager Bob Melvin another player who can contribute at multiple positions.

After losing to the San Francisco Giants in a seven-game World Series, the Royals declined their $12.5 million option on Butler for next season. The 2012 All-Star received a $1 million buyout and became a free agent for the first time in his eight-year major league career.