The Royals have reached a two-year agreement with their "Italian Cannon" Vinnie Pasquantino, successfully avoiding salary arbitration.

As reported by MLB's official website, the Kansas City Royals finalized a two-year deal with first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, guaranteeing more than $11 million, which prevented the need for salary arbitration with this standout athlete.

Sources indicate that this contract, pending a physical exam (not yet officially confirmed by the team), covers Pasquantino’s first two arbitration years and could reach up to $16 million if incentive clauses are met. He will have his final arbitration eligibility in 2028 and become a free agent in 2029.

Previously, the Royals and Pasquantino failed to agree on a salary for the 2026 season before the January 8 deadline. Arbitration hearings were likely to determine his salary in the coming months, with Pasquantino requesting $4.5 million and the team offering $4 million. With the new contract signed, the dispute is fully resolved. Pasquantino can now focus on spring training and the World Baseball Classic (he confirmed he will represent Italy again), while the Royals have a clearer salary plan for the next two years.

Currently, the Royals’ contracts guaranteed beyond 2026 include Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia, Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and a team option for Carlos Estévez.

Pasquantino has become one of the Royals’ core players. At 28, he hit 32 home runs in the 2025 season, becoming the fourth left-handed hitter in team history to hit over 30 homers in a single season. Only John Mayberry (34 HRs in 1975), George Brett (30 HRs in 1985), and Mike Moustakas (38 HRs in 2017) had previously achieved this.

After struggling with injuries during his first three major league seasons, Pasquantino played a full 2025 season, appearing in 160 games with 682 plate appearances, posting a slash line of .264/.323/.475, along with 33 doubles and 113 RBIs.