Predicting contract terms for Kansas City Royals free agents

Mike Minor

There aren’t going to be many left-handed relievers with the versatility of Mike Minor available this winter. It means two things can be said about Minor’s offseason outlook. Firstly, he will have plenty of contract offers. And second, the terms of those deals will vary greatly. Not only are teams going to differ on the role they expect Minor to fulfill but also the confidence they have in him to stay healthy.

Not only are teams going to differ on the role they expect Minor to fulfill but also the confidence they have in him staying healthy.

Personally, it’s hard to imagine Minor will remain healthy for the extent of any contract he signs. The question then becomes how much are you willing to lose should that happen. It cost the Kansas City Royals one full season paying Minor, but you could argue he made up for it in 2017. Then again, you could say they paid him starter money for two years, and he gave them outstanding reliever play for one season.

It makes me think teams will be more willing to give him extra money in lieu of another season. Minor is likely seeking a four-year contract, but he could have to settle for three years. Houston has been rumored to be interested, and they will likely be joined by other playoff-caliber teams. There are few left-handed bullpen options who can pitch high-leverage situations — be it the eighth inning, ninth inning or coming on in a jam — the way Minor did in 2017.

Verdict: three-year, $28 million contract