The Kansas City Royals went from a 2015 World Series title to finishing two games under .500 in just two seasons. It is a new year and the Royals have a chance to regain the crown of the AL Central, but the team may be looking toward a rebuilding season considering their current payroll situation. The Royals were able to avoid arbitration with the players below, but one of them is now on the trading block. Here are all the latest Royals news and rumors you need to know:
Kelvin Herrera On Trading Block?
The Royals and right-handed pitcher Kelvin Herrera avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year $7.9 million contract. Despite the team avoiding arbitration, Kansas City is putting Herrera on the trading block and according to Nick Cafardo, the Royals want a "huge haul" for him.
The 27-year-old right-hander struggled with a 4.25 ERA over 59 2/3 innings in 2017, but he put up a dominant 2.30 ERA with 209 strikeouts in 211 2/3 innings between 2014-2016.
Brandon Maurer Requests $3.5 million
Relief pitcher Brandon Mauer asked for $3.5 million when he met with the Royals about arbitration on Friday. The Royals counter offer was $2.95 million according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
This will be the second time in his career he will be eligible for arbitration. Last season, he made $1.9 million after going 3-6 with a 6.52 ERA. Despite the bad ERA, he had 22 saves while recording 59 strikeouts in 59.1 innings.
Nate Karns Avoids Arbitration
The Royals successfully avoided arbitration with right-handed pitcher Nate Karns, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith on Twitter. Karns and the Royals agreed to a one year $1.375 million contract.
Last season, Karns was limited to just 45 1/3 innings before undergoing thoracic outlet surgery in July.
Missing the latest Royals news is like being a contact hitter that strikes out a lot. To make sure your Royals knowledge doesn't come from left field, download the Chat Sports Android App.
Mitchell Renz is the Senior Writer & On-Air Host at Chat Sports. Check out his article archive and live videos on Chat Sports Facebook page. Please follow him on Twitter @MitchellRenz365.
Back to the Kansas City Royals Newsfeed