Royals sign third baseman Maikel Franco

Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty ImagesThe Royals have signed third baseman Maikel Franco to a one-year, $3 million contract, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.The 27-year old has spent the last six years with the Phillies, hitting .249/.302/.431. He was a 1.9 WAR player in his rookie season, but has declined since then, and has been at or below replacement-level in each of the last three seasons. Last year he hit .234/.297/.409 with 17 home runs in 123 games, leading the Phillies to non-tender him earlier this month. He will be eligible for arbitration again after next season, and is eligible for free agency after the 2021 season.

Franco does hit for some power, with 88 home runs over the last…