The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a two-year contract with first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, avoiding an arbitration hearing. The deal is worth more than $11 million guaranteed and covers his first two arbitration years. Pasquantino, a key part of the team's core, had a breakout 2025 season with 32 home runs.
On Friday, the Kansas City Royals reached an agreement with one of their star players, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, signing him to a two-year contract worth more than $11 million guaranteed, according to sources. The deal, pending a physical and not yet confirmed by the club, covers Pasquantino's first two years of arbitration eligibility and could reach $16 million with incentives. He will have one additional arbitration year in 2028 before becoming a free agent in 2029.
The agreement settles a potential dispute after the Royals and Pasquantino failed to agree on his 2026 salary by the January 8 deadline. Pasquantino had filed for $4.5 million, while the Royals submitted $4 million, setting the stage for a hearing in the coming months. Now resolved, Pasquantino can focus on Spring Training and his commitment to play for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic without distraction.
For the Royals, the contract provides payroll stability over the next two years. Beyond 2026, the team has guaranteed deals for players including Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia, Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, and Michael Wacha, along with a club option for Carlos Estévez.
At 28 years old, Pasquantino has emerged as a cornerstone for the Royals. In 2025, he hit 32 home runs, becoming the fourth left-handed batter in franchise history to reach 30 or more in a season, joining John Mayberry (34 in 1975), George Brett (30 in 1985), and Mike Moustakas (38 in 2017). After missing time in each of his first three major league seasons, Pasquantino played the full 2025 campaign, appearing in 160 games with 682 plate appearances. He slashed .264/.323/.475, recording 33 doubles and 113 RBIs.
