The Kansas City Royals continue to reward the key contributors to their 2015 World Series title.
Third baseman Mike Moustakas and the club avoided arbitration on Thursday after agreeing to a two-year deal, reportedly worth $14.3 million, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
It's believed the deal will pay Moustakas $5.6 million this season and $8.7 million in 2017. The two-year deal buys out his remaining arbitration years.
The two sides were well apart when they exchanged arbitration figures earlier in January. The 27-year-old asked for $7 million, while the team countered with $4.2 million.
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 Alex Gordon back on a four-year deal this winter while also agreeing to a two-year deal with Lorenzo Cain, keeping their core intact through the next two seasons.