Royals' Pasquantino Poised for Breakout Spring Training After Contract Extension

The young first baseman is ready to showcase his skills after signing a two-year deal with Kansas City.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:55am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player's batting stance and swing broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the Royals' uniform colors of royal blue, powder blue, and red, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.Pasquantino's confident swing and renewed health could be the spark the Royals need to ignite their offense this season.Surprise Today

Vinnie Pasquantino, the Kansas City Royals' rising star first baseman, is entering a crucial spring training with a newfound sense of confidence after recently signing a two-year, $11 million contract extension with the club. Pasquantino, who has dealt with injury concerns in the past, is declaring himself fully healthy and eager to lead the Royals' revamped offense this season.

Why it matters

Pasquantino's contract extension is a significant move for the Royals, as they look to keep their young core of players together and build towards future success. The 24-year-old first baseman provides protection in the lineup for star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and offers solid defense at a key position.

The details

Pasquantino's two-year deal includes a potential value of $15.7 million and keeps him under club control until 2028. The contract negotiations were described as a 'weird' process, but the Royals and Pasquantino ultimately reached an agreement. Pasquantino is confident he has fully recovered from past injuries, including right shoulder surgery and a fractured thumb, and is ready to showcase his skills this spring.

  • Pasquantino recently wrapped up contract negotiations, his first year of arbitration.
  • The Royals' first full-squad workout is scheduled for February 16th in Surprise, Arizona.
  • Pasquantino will join Team Italy at the end of February for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which kicks off on March 4th.

The players

Vinnie Pasquantino

The 24-year-old first baseman for the Kansas City Royals, who recently signed a two-year, $11 million contract extension with the club.

Bobby Witt Jr.

The Royals' star shortstop, who will benefit from Pasquantino's protection in the batting order.

Maikel Garcia

A young player in the Royals' core that the team has invested in keeping together.

Cole Ragans

Another young player in the Royals' core that the team has invested in keeping together.

J.J. Picollo

The general manager of the Kansas City Royals, who negotiated Pasquantino's contract extension.

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What they’re saying

“I'm thrilled to be here, and I'm glad we got the negotiations out of the way. It was a unique experience, and I'm grateful for the outcome.”

— Vinnie Pasquantino, Royals First Baseman

“I'm declaring myself 100% healthy. I've been hitting since October because I wanted to, and I'm enjoying the game again.”

— Vinnie Pasquantino, Royals First Baseman

“We had some great discussions. In the end, we knew Pasquantino would be a Royal, and he deserved a significant raise.”

— J.J. Picollo, Royals General Manager

“We've been working hard this offseason. I'm in the best shape of my life, and I'm ready to showcase my skills.”

— Vinnie Pasquantino, Royals First Baseman

“It's going to be a weird spring with the WBC. But it's a great opportunity for some of our guys to impress the big-league coaches.”

— Vinnie Pasquantino, Royals First Baseman

What’s next

Pasquantino will join Team Italy at the end of February for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which kicks off on March 4th. This will be a crucial opportunity for him to showcase his skills before the Royals' regular season begins.

The takeaway

Pasquantino's contract extension is a significant move for the Royals, as they look to keep their young core of players together and build towards future success. The 24-year-old first baseman's newfound confidence and health could be the key to a breakout season, providing a much-needed boost to the Royals' offense.