ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Post-season star Lorenzo Cain and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a one-year contract for $2,725,000, just ahead of what would have been Major League Baseball’s first salary arbitration hearing this year.
Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas also settled Tuesday, agreeing to a one-year contract for $2.64 million.
Cain had asked for $3.6 million and had been offered $2 million when the sides swapped figures last month. In addition to his salary, the speedy outfielder would earn a $25,000 bonus for 505 plate appearances.
The sides entered the room for the hearing, which was scheduled to start at 2 p.m., then stepped outside the room and reached the agreement.
Cain, 28, hit a team-best .301 with five homers, 53 RBIs and 28 steals in 33 chances last season, when he made $546,000. He was MVP of the Royals’ sweep of Baltimore in the AL Championship Series after batting .533 (8 for 15) with a pair of doubles. He hit .308 in the World Series loss to San Francisco.
The 26-year-old Moustakas would earn a $10,000 bonus if he has 550 or more plate appearances. He hit .212 with 21 doubles and 54 RBIs last year, when he made $549,000. He had asked for $3.1 million in arbitration and had been offered $1.85 million.
Four Royals remain in arbitration: first baseman Eric Hosmer and pitchers Danny Duffy, Kelvin Herrera and Greg Holland.
