Vinnie Pasquantino and Kansas City Royals Agree to Two-Year Contract

Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino and the team have agreed to a two-year contract valued at over $11 million, with potential incentives increasing the total to nearly $16 million.

This agreement allows both parties to avoid an arbitration hearing.

Contract Details

The deal covers Pasquantino's first two arbitration-eligible seasons. He will remain arbitration-eligible in 2028 before reaching free agency.

Arbitration Background

Pasquantino was set to qualify for arbitration for the first time in 2026. He and the Royals had previously filed arbitration figures, with Pasquantino's camp at $4.5 million and the team at $4 million.

Many teams typically follow a "file and trial" policy, ceasing one-year deal negotiations after the filing deadline. However, exceptions are often made for multi-year agreements, as was the case with Pasquantino's deal.

Impact of Agreement

Avoiding arbitration hearings is generally seen as beneficial, as these processes can sometimes strain player-team relationships. This agreement ensures Pasquantino and the Royals maintain a positive relationship.

Avoiding arbitration hearings is generally seen as beneficial, as these processes can sometimes strain player-team relationships.

League-Wide Arbitration Landscape

With Pasquantino's deal, the number of arbitration hearings across the league this year will not exceed 14. Other players who recently reached agreements to avoid hearings include Cade Cavalli, Bryce Miller, and Joe Ryan.

The Royals still have one potential arbitration hearing pending with left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic, who filed at $6.15 million against the team's $5.15 million.