Thursday is the deadline for teams to reach an agreement with arbitration-eligible players before a hearing is scheduled. The Royals have eight unsigned players eligible for arbitration:
If a club and player cannot come to terms, they will file for an arbitration hearing where each side will submit a figure, and an arbiter will determine the winning side. The Royals have not had an arbitration hearing since 2023, when they won their case over pitcher Brady Singer. The “formal” deadline was at noon today, but several reports indicate teams have until 7 p.m. CT to come to terms with players.
According to MLB.com reporter Anne Rogers, Michael Massey and Daniel Lynch IV have come to terms. Massey signs a $1.57 million deal, and Lynch signs a $1.025 million deal. Both were in their first year of arbitration, and Massey was projected by MLB Trade Rumors to make $2 million, while Lynch was projected to make $1.3 million.
Robert Murray at Fansided reports Kyle Isbel signed for $2.7 million in his second year of arbitration, exactly what he was projected to make. Bailey Falter, acquired last year from the Pirates, will make $3.6 million in his first year of arbitration, after being projected to make $3.3 million.
MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand reports that relievers Nick Mears and John Schreiber have both come to terms, although no figures have been reported yet. Mears was projected to make $1.6 million in his second year of arbitration after being acquired this offseason from the Brewers. Schreiber was projected to make $3.8 million in his third year of arbitration, after making $2.3 million last year.
More to come as this story develops.