Royals, Moustakas have discussed 2-year deal
Fresh off their second World Series title in franchise history, the Kansas City Royals' front office has been busy this winter trying to restructure some of the team's key contributors' contracts.
General manager Dayton Moore has already agreed to a two-year deal with outfielder Lorenzo Cain, is attempting to extend catcher Salvador Perez, and third baseman Mike Moustakas told Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com on Friday that he and the club have discussed a two-year deal.
Moustakas and the Royals were well apart when the two sides exchanged arbitration figures earlier in January. The 27-year-old asked for $7 million, while the team countered with $4.2 million. A two-year deal would buy out Moustakas' remaining arbitration years.
An All-Star for the first time in his five-year career, Moustakas had a strong bounce-back season in 2015. He hit a career-high .284/.348/.470 with 22 home runs, 34 doubles, and 82 RBIs in 147 games.
The Royals were able to bring back Alex Gordon this winter with a four-year deal, keeping their core intact through the next two seasons.