Second baseman Chris Getz avoided a possible arbitration case with the Royals by agreeing Friday morning to a one-year deal for $1.05 million.

The agreement beat the 11 p.m. deadline for clubs to offer contracts to unsigned players under their control and removed the possibility the Royals might choose to let Getz become a free agent rather than risk an arbitration hearing.

“My scenario wasn’t very complicated,” Getz said. “Obviously, this is the place I wanted to be and was willing to make it work. They were as well. I’m extremely happy to be back.

“I’m looking forward to coming to spring training prepared to help a team that is making some positive moves.”

Getz, 29, gets a slight raise from $967,500 after an injury-plagued season that limited him to 64 games. The new deal also includes $150,000 in possible performance bonuses.

The Royals now have just one possible arbitration case: right-handed pitcher Luke Hochevar, who made $3.51 million last season and projects, under industry estimates, to make $4.4 million in 2013 through arbitration.

Getz batted a career-high .275 last season but made three trips to the disabled list due to bruised ribs, a lower leg strain and a broken thumb. The latter was a season-ending injury that occurred Aug. 17, but he is on track to be fully recovered for spring training.

“I was in KC from Sunday through Tuesday,” he said. “I did a final little check-up with the doctor, and the trainers. All was good. I’ve already begun hitting and catching. It hasn’t hindered me at all in my off-season strength-and-conditioning stuff.

“I’ve got to continue to stretch it and improve the mobility, but that’s pretty straight-forward stuff…I’m due for a clean slate next year.”

The Royals’ roster, as currently constituted, projects a spring battle between Getz and Johnny Giavotella to be the club’s starting second baseman.

“Hopefully, I’ll go to spring training, win that job and continue from there,” Getz said. “Obviously, they’re making some positive (off-season) moves with the pitching. Lineup-wise, we’ve got a lot of good players.

“If I’m able to continue doing what I was doing last year, I feel I can certainly help.”

Getz has a .257 career average and a .314 on-base percentage in 371 games over five seasons. He came to the Royals from the Chicago White Sox in a Nov. 5, 2009 trade with third baseman Josh Fields for utilityman Mark Teahen.

To reach Bob Dutton, Royals reporter for The Star, send email to bdutton@kcstar.com. Follow his updates at twitter.com/Royals_Report.