Predicting contract terms for Kansas City Royals free agents

The Minnows

These are the players who would be considered small fish in the big free agency pool. Some of them will still get decent contracts in a thin year at their positions. However, others will find their leverage low with little need at their positions. Either way, these guys aren’t likely to earn anything more than one-year contracts this offseason.

Alcides Escobar

A decent second half to the season will see his dollar amount likely increase. But there’s almost no situation where Escobar signs for more than one year. The Kansas City Royals could look to bring him back depending on how things go elsewhere. The other team that would make the most sense would be the Padres.

Verdict: one-year, $6 million contract

Trevor Cahill

There were few bigger deadline busts in MLB than Trevor Cahill. (Although, Brandon Maurer would be in the discussion.) That being said, someone will find use for him next year. He could be a steal, as Matt Kelly of MLB.com included Cahill in a list of possible bounce-back candidates in the mold of Charlie Morton this past season.

Verdict: one-year, $3 million contract

Melky Cabrera

Versatility and leadership will see Melky Cabrera assuredly employed in 2018. He performed well enough last season, although his numbers after the trade were disappointing. His defense isn’t good enough to see him play in the outfield every day, but an American League team could use him at designated hitter frequently.

Verdict: one-year, $7.5 million contract

Peter Moylan

In many ways, Moylan is the most likely player to return to the Kansas City Royals. The bullpen will need all the help it can get next year. Despite being a unique reliever, Moylan won’t have many suitors clamoring for his signature during the winter. He’ll probably be back on a similar (or exactly identical) contract to what he had in 2017.

Verdict: one-year, $1 million contract