Mike Moustakas has agreed to a deal with Kansas City. (Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports)
Mike Moustakas and Kansas City avoided arbitration when the Royals’ third baseman agreed Tuesday to a $2.64 million contract for the upcoming season.
Moustakas, the 26-year-old third baseman, was eligible for arbitration for the first time and had sought $3.1 million; according to the Kansas City Star. The Royals had countered with $1.85 million.
Despite Moustakas’ offensive struggles last season, the Royals advanced to the World Series where they lost in seven games to the San Francisco Giants.
Moustakas posted the least-productive offensive season of his career as he batted a career-low .212.
But it was in October when Moustakas hit in the clutch. He homered five times and slugged .558 in the playoffs.
Five Royals — closer Greg Holland, first baseman Eric Hosmer, outfielder Lorenzo Cain, starter Danny Duffy and reliever Kelvin Herrera — remain unsigned.
