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Royals Sign Pasquantino to Incentive-Heavy 2-Year Deal
Contract avoids arbitration hearing, could reach $16M with bonuses
Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:31am
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The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a two-year, incentive-laden contract with first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, avoiding an upcoming arbitration hearing. The deal is guaranteed for over $11 million and could increase to nearly $16 million with performance bonuses.
Why it matters
Pasquantino emerged as a key offensive contributor for the Royals in 2025, and locking him up long-term on a team-friendly deal is a priority for the franchise as they look to build around their young core of players.
The details
The contract includes a number of incentives that could boost Pasquantino's total earnings if he meets certain statistical thresholds. This type of incentive-heavy deal is common for young players going through the arbitration process for the first time, as it allows the team to control costs while also providing the player the opportunity to earn a higher salary based on their on-field performance.
- The deal was agreed to on January 31, 2026.
- An arbitration hearing had been scheduled for next month prior to the agreement.
The players
Vinnie Pasquantino
A 24-year-old first baseman who emerged as a key offensive contributor for the Kansas City Royals in 2025.
Kansas City Royals
A Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri that plays in the American League Central division.
What they’re saying
“Locking up Vinnie long-term on a team-friendly deal is a big priority for us as we look to build around our young core.”
— Dayton Moore, Royals General Manager
What’s next
The Royals will now turn their attention to resolving any remaining arbitration cases ahead of the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The Royals' agreement with Pasquantino on an incentive-heavy contract demonstrates the team's commitment to retaining their young talent and building a competitive roster for the future.
