The Kansas City Royals signed third baseman Mike Moustakas to a one-year deal with a mutual option for the 2019 season last week, but don't expect him to stay with the franchise past 2018.
According to Maria Torres of the Kansas City Star, both sides are planning to move on after the season.
Moustakas is not the third baseman of the future. His return to Kansas City was a mutually beneficial arrangement that provided the Royals a veteran third baseman and Moustakas a familiar place to play and increase his value.
During his first week in camp, Moustakas has already taken reps at first base, a natural position for him to transition to as he ages. Expect Moustakas to log innings there during the regular season. That will boost his value when he hits the free-agent market again next winter.
Kansas City was planning to let Moustakas walk in free agency this offseason and they did not anticipate being able to afford to re-sign him, but the cool market presented an opportunity for him to return.
However, the Royals are committed to Cheslor Cuthbert as their long-term answer at the position and are also high on 20-year-old prospect Emmanuel Rivera.
Moustakas hit .272 with 38 home runs and 85 RBIs in 148 games this season.
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