Royals and Vinnie Pasquantino Settle to Avoid Arbitration
The Kansas City Royals and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino have reached a significant agreement to avoid arbitration. This two-year deal is reported to be worth over $11 million, with opportunities for performance-based incentives that could raise the total value to nearly $16 million.
Details of the Agreement
Pasquantino, who has recently qualified for arbitration for the first time, will now have financial security through the coming years. This contract covers the first two of his three arbitration years, with potential arbitration eligibility extending into 2028, just before he becomes a free agent.
Arbitration landscape
Vinnie Pasquantino’s decision to settle with the Royals is a notable event, especially since he was among 18 players without an agreement before the arbitration filing deadline. His camp initially filed for $4.5 million, while the Royals proposed $4 million. Industry expert Matt Swartz had projected Pasquantino’s salary at approximately $5.4 million.
- Current Deal: Two years, over $11 million
- Potential Maximum Value: Close to $16 million
- Initial Arbitration Filing: $4.5 million
- Royals Proposal: $4 million
- Projected Salary: $5.4 million
Context of Arbitration Hearings
While arbitration hearings are a common aspect of player negotiations, they can sometimes strain relationships between players and teams. The “file and trial” approach, widely adopted by teams, limits negotiation opportunities after the filing deadline, forcing both parties to commit to their stated figures.
Pasquantino’s settlement alleviates the possibility of entering a contentious hearing, a situation that has previously affected player-team dynamics, as noted by Corbin Burnes after his hearing with the Brewers.
Remaining Arbitration Cases
With this agreement finalized, the Royals have one pending arbitration case. Left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic has yet to reach an agreement, having filed at $6.15 million, while the team proposed $5.15 million. As a result, there may still be potential for arbitration hearings this year.
Overall, Vinnie Pasquantino’s new contract represents a positive development for both him and the Kansas City Royals, helping to ensure a smoother path through the arbitration process.
