Infielder Vinnie Pasquantino agrees to a $11.1 million, 2-year contract with the Royals

By: The Associated Press Posted: 8:17 PM CST Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 Last Modified: 4:05 PM CST Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Infielder Vinnie Pasquantino agreed to an $11.1 million, two-year contract with the Royals on Friday, pending a successful physical, that will keep him in Kansas City through the 2027 season.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/01/2026 (198 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Pasquantino gets $4.2 million this year and $6.9 million in 2027. He has escalators that could raise his 2027 salary to a maximum of $11.5 million.

He was in his second year of salary arbitration eligibility this offseason and remains under club control through 2028.

FILE - Kansas City Royals Vinnie Pasquantino (9) celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Angels in the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Wally Skalij, File)

Pasquantino comes off a season with career highs in several categories, including home runs (32) and RBIs (113) after being sidelined by injuries for much of 2023 and 2024. He became the eighth Royals player to produce at least 30 homers and doubles in a season.

“Vinnie is a premier run producer, a huge part of our team and someone our fans have really connected with,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said in a statement. “We’re proud of the player he’s become, and that he’s earned this contract. We are happy as an organization and for Vinnie personally to have stability moving forward.”

His 2027 salary can increase by up to $600,000 based on 2026 plate appearances: $200,000 each for 450, 500 and 550.

It would rise by $4 million if he wins a 2026 MVP award, $3 million if he finishes second through fifth in the voting, $2 million for sixth through 10th, $1.5 million for 11-15th and $1.25 million for 16th-20th.

His 2027 salary would go up by $1 million if he is selected to the All-MLB first team and $750,000 for making the second team.

Pasquantino has award bonuses for both seasons: $100,000 for World Series MVP, $100,000 for MVP, $50,000 for second through fifth in MVP voting, and $50,000 each for Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, All-Star Game election or selection, and League Championship Series MVP.

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