Royals Secure 6 Arbitration Deals, 2 Remain

The Kansas City Royals have resolved salary agreements with six of their eight arbitration-eligible players ahead of the 2026 season deadline. While deals were reached with several key players, including Michael Massey, Kyle Isbel, Bailey Falter, Daniel Lynch, John Schreiber, and Nick Mears, two players remain set for arbitration hearings. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino and pitcher Kris Bubic did not reach an agreement by the Thursday deadline, indicating their cases will proceed to a panel of arbitrators.

Several players secured notable salary increases. Michael Massey will earn $1.57 million, while John Schreiber will make $3.715 million. Bailey Falter's new salary is $3.6 million, and Nick Mears will receive $1.9 million. Kyle Isbel is set to earn $2.7 million after a strong defensive performance. These agreements follow earlier resolutions with Jonathan India and James McArthur, and a long-term extension for Maikel Garcia, who will earn around $4 million in 2026.

Pasquantino is in his first year of arbitration eligibility, whereas Bubic is in his final year before free agency. The arbitration process allows players with three to six years of service time to negotiate their salaries, with arbitrators deciding between the player's or team's submitted figure if no compromise is reached. The Royals have a history of avoiding hearings, last participating in one in 2023.