OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland Athletics have filled their second key position in five days, acquiring first baseman Ike Davis and international bonus slot 86 from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for international bonus slot 27.
Oakland, which lost in the AL wild-card game to Kansas City, signed designated hitter Billy Butler to a $30-million, three-year contract Wednesday.
The 27-year-old Davis began last season with the New York Mets and batted .208 with a home run and five RBI in 12 games before Pittsburgh acquired him April 18 for pitchers Zack Thornton and Blake Taylor.
A left-handed hitter, Davis then batted .235 in 131 games for the Pirates, finishing 2014 with a .233 average and 11 homers and 51 RBI in 143 games.
The A's designated outfielder Andrew Brown for assignment to clear roster room.