Jarrod Dyson and Royals Avoid Arbitration

The Kansas City Royals plethora of arbitration cases decreased by one yesterday, as the Royals and Jarrod Dyson came to terms on a one year deal. According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, Dyson and the Royals agreed to a contract worth $1.225 Million with a $25,000 incentive if he gets over 350 plate appearances.

Dyson is likely to receive a decent amount of playing time. Playing more frequently than a typical fourth outfielder last year, Dyson received 290 plate appearances, producing a .269/.324/.327 batting line. As we all know, Dyson’s value does not come from his bat, but for what he can do on the basepaths and in the field. Despite being a part time player, Dyson has stolen 30 or more bases in each of the past three seasons and has been one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball.

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Barring an injury, Jarrod Dyson is likely to have the same role he had last year. He will likely appear three or four times a week in the starting lineup, as the Royals look to keep Lorenzo Cain, Alex Rios and Kendrys Morales all healthy and rested. Dyson will likely still make appearances as a pinch runner or as a defensive replacement late in games, as the Royals shift to their All World defensive outfield alignment with Cain and Alex Gordon.

Will that be enough for Dyson to get those 350 plate appearances? Considering the most he has had in a season is 330, that seems unlikely. However, if Dyson does find himself pressed into service, he can get a bit more money. Always nice to have that option.

Now that Jarrod Dyson has signed, the Royals have six arbitration cases left unresolved. Hopefully, those can be handled just as quickly.

Next: Kansas City Royals Keeping Bullpen Intact is the Right Move