Royals Extend Pasquantino for 2 Years, $11 Million

Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino agreed to a two-year contract extension with the team on Friday, avoiding salary arbitration and securing his future in Kansas City through the 2027 season. The deal, valued at $11 million with performance incentives that could push it to $15.7 million, includes $4.2 million for the 2026 season and $6.9 million for 2027. Pasquantino remains under club control through 2028.

The agreement came after negotiations that Pasquantino described as unusual due to limited contact in recent weeks. He passed a physical exam on Saturday, confirming his readiness for the upcoming season. "Happy to be here, and I'm glad we got that done," Pasquantino said during the Royals Rally event. "I think it's good for both sides and I think both sides are taking on some risk. I think both sides understand the value there, and I'm happy we got it done."

Pasquantino enters the contract off a breakout 2025 season, where he set career highs with a .264 batting average, 32 home runs, 113 RBIs and 160 games played. The performance marked a strong rebound from injuries that limited him in 2023 and 2024, including a fractured thumb the previous year and...