Royals, Duda agree to 1-year deal

The Kansas City Royals have found their first baseman for 2018.

The club agreed to a one-year deal with first baseman Lucas Duda that's reportedly worth $3.5 million, according to FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman. Through incentives, the deal could be worth close to $5 million.

After Eric Hosmer inked an eight-year contract with the San Diego Padres, the Royals were left with a hole at first base.

Duda spent 2017 between the New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays, appearing in 127 games. He hit 30 home runs with 64 RBIs and an .818 OPS despite a .217 batting average.

The 32-year-old provides the Royals with some much-needed power from the left side of the plate. Prior to his arrival, outfielder Alex Gordon was the only left-handed hitter projected to be in the starting lineup on Opening Day after losing Hosmer and third baseman Mike Moustakas to free agency.