Which Kansas City Royals players are headed for salary arbitration in 2026?

Vinnie Pasquantino and Kris Bubic are the two Kansas City Royals players whose salaries will be decided by arbitration hearings.

How much will Michael Massey earn with the Royals in 2026?

Michael Massey has agreed to a salary of $1.57 million with the Kansas City Royals for the 2026 season.

What is salary arbitration for MLB players like the Royals?

Salary arbitration is a process where eligible players with three to six years of service time negotiate their upcoming season's salary with their team, with a panel deciding if no agreement is reached.

Home / Sports / Royals Secure 6 Arbitration Deals, 2 Remain

Royals Secure 6 Arbitration Deals, 2 Remain

9 Jan

•

Summary

Royals reached agreements with six of eight arbitration-eligible players.
Vinnie Pasquantino and Kris Bubic's salaries will be decided by arbitration.
Several players received significant raises for the 2026 season.

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.