After a stunning World Series run in 2014, the Kansas City Royals are working hard to keep their team together. They took a nice step in that direction on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration with third baseman Mike Moustakas and outfielder Lorenzo Cain.
Jon Heyman of CBSSports reports that the Royals and Moustakas have agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.64 million. The 26-year-old third baseman requested $3.1 million and the team countered with $1.85 million before coming to an agreement.
Moustakas has some huge post-season hits for the Royals last season, but his regular season slash line of .212/.271/.361 is downright bad. The former second round pick has showed some upside at times, but his awful plate discipline has mostly held him back. In Moustakas’ four year career he is hitting .236/.290/.379. Those kind of numbers are simply not getting it done, and while the Royals are giving him another chance, this could very well be his last one.
After a breakout post-season, Cain and the Royals agreed to a $2.725 million figure. Cain requested $3.6 million, while the Royals originally offered $2 million.
Cain hit .301/.339/.412 with 28 stolen bases on 32 attempts in the 2014 regular season. He was a versatile weapon for the Royals offensively and is a great defender in centerfield. Cain hit .333/.388/.417 throughout the Royals’ playoff run, including a .533/.588/.667 line in the ALCS, when he was named series MVP.
Cain needs to become more consistent at the plate, but he is a dangerous weapon for the Royals moving forward. Both Cain and Moustakas are important players for Kansas City if they hope to make a return trip to the World Series in 2015.