Royals, Taylor agree to 2-year, $9M extension

The Kansas City Royals and outfielder Michael A. Taylor have agreed to a two-year, $9-million contract extension, the team announced Wednesday.

He can also earn an additional $500,000 in incentives, a source told The Athletic's Alec Lewis.

Taylor, 30, is about to complete his first full campaign with the Royals after signing a one-year, $1.75-million deal last offseason.

The former Washington Nationals draft choice has slashed .244/.298/.359 with 12 homers, 52 RBIs, and 14 steals over 137 games this season.

Taylor's real value lies in his defense. He leads all players with 21 defensive runs saved and a 12.7 UZR, according to FanGraphs.

The veteran is also tied with Manuel Margot of the Tampa Bay Rays and the St. Louis Cardinals' Harrison Bader for the most outs above average (14) and runs prevented (13) in the big leagues, according to Baseball Savant.