The Kansas City Royals have reached an agreement with Adalberto Mondesi, shortstop, and five other players to sign a $3 million contract for the upcoming season. This avoids arbitration before Tuesday’s deadline when teams and players must submit numbers.
The Royals also reached an agreement with Brad Keller, right-hander, on a $4.825m contract. Scott Barlow, reliever, was on a $2.4million deal. Amir Garrett, newly acquired pitcher, was purchased for $2.025m. Ryan O’Hearn, first baseman, and Cam Gallagher, backup catcher, were each $1.3 million.
Outfielder Andrew Benintendi is the only Royals player, while Nicky Lopez is second baseman. Both are expected to be in their opening day lineup.
Mondesi, 26, has shown great potential when he is healthy. He led the league with 24 stolen bases in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. He has played less than 100 games in six seasons and his batting average is.230, with six homers and fifteen steals. Last season, he was limited to 35 games due to injuries.
Mondesi made $2.52million last year, and is eligible to free agency after 2023. He spent much of the offseason training with Dominican Republic trainers to keep his health in check. His hamstring and obliques were the culprits last year, but he has also suffered from shoulder and quad injuries in the past.
Mondesi stated that he had changed many things and trained with a different trainer during spring training.
He explained that they started with me, and then we moved on to my body. They ask me how I feel, and I tell them. We then create a program and we follow it.
Mondesi has also played second and third bases throughout his career. His move to third base could be permanent if the Royals sign Bobby Witt Jr. as shortstop. Witt has also played third base in minor leagues. However, it is possible that the Royals will try to keep Witt at his most comfortable position when he starts his big league career.
Combining the talents of Witt and Mondesi, Kansas City could have one of the most talented left-side infields in the American League.
“I’m fine doing whatever they ask me to. Mondesi stated that he just wants to play, and that he also wants to help the team win.
