The Kansas City Royals have kept the ball rolling on their offseason after coming to terms with another free agent. The Royals have agreed to a 2-year, $17.5 million contract with Carlos Santana. Making it their third free-agent signing of the offseason.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the two sides had agreed on a contract on Twitter:
Carlos Santana’s two-year deal with the Royals is actually for $17.5 million, per source. I’m sure he will do something very nice with that extra $500,000.
He also can earn performance bonuses if he plays as expected that would take the deal to $18.5 million.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 8, 2020
Granted, the Royals have already signed Mike Minor and Michael Taylor; they did not take home the $17.5 million that Santana did. The Royals are spending and looking to build a budget team that also possesses some trade assets if the opportunity presents itself.
For the Royals, Santana is an eleven-year veteran who can offer a nice boost to their lineup. He could help the Royals offense and be a mentor to some of the organization’s younger players.
In 2020, Santana played in all 60 games for the Indians, where he only hit .199/.349/.350 with eight home runs and 30 RBI total on the season. Santana could add some pop to the Royals lineup but also has to work that average back up to the .250 marker where he spent most of his career.
Santana finds a new home in the American League Central, where he will look to continue his career in the big leagues. The Royals have indicated they would make improvements before the 2021 season, and they have done it with their three signings so far.
