Why Vinnie Pasquantino feels confident entering key spring with Royals
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Pasquantino signed 2‑year, $11M deal with escalators to $15.7M; club control through 2028.
- He aims to build on 2025 breakout: .264 average, 32 homers, 113 RBIs in 160 games.
- Passed physical; will join Italy for 2026 WBC after Royals' Feb. 16 workout.
Vinnie Pasquantino was a last-minute addition to the Royals Rally lineup Saturday.
Here’s the reason: The Kansas City Royals first baseman was in the middle of contract negotiations. He entered his first year of arbitration, and it was admittedly a weird process.
However, Pasquantino and the Royals ultimately came to a resolution. Pasquantino agreed to a two-year deal worth $11 million. The contract also includes escalators that can reach a maximum of $15.7 million. He will remain under club control through 2028.
“Happy to be here, and I’m glad we got that done,” Pasquantino said. “They didn’t have to do that, and I think the negotiations went pretty well. I’m glad that it’s over. This would’ve been an interesting two-week span here — I think just because of the lack of contact — which is weird for me to not be talking to people. I think it’s good for both sides and I think both sides are taking on some risk. I think both sides understand the value there, and I’m happy we got it done.”
Pasquantino will look to build off his 2025 campaign. He posted career numbers with a .264 batting average, 32 home runs and 113 RBIs. He played in 160 games and entered the offseason relatively healthy.
In previous years, Pasquantino had dealt with injuries. He had right shoulder surgery early in his career and nursed a fractured thumb in 2024.
Pasquantino declared a full bill of health on Saturday. He passed his physical and felt ready for spring training in a few weeks.
“It was just a healthy offseason,” Pasquantino said. “I think I started hitting in October this year just because I wanted to and because I enjoy hitting. So it was nice to enjoy what I was doing again instead of worrying if I was feeling good. It was an awesome offseason to be able to just kind of get back to how I want to do things.”
The Royals rely on Pasquantino’s production. He offers protection for Bobby Witt Jr. in the batting order and provides quality defense at first base. The Royals have spent resources to keep their young core — Witt, Maikel Garcia and Cole Ragans — in tow for the future.
Now, Pasquantino can add his name to the list. His two-year contact could also give the Royals an option to further extend him down the line.
“There was good dialogue going back and forth,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “You know, in the end, he was going to be a Royal, and he was going to have a significant raise from last year to this year.”
Pasquantino will spearhead a new-look Royals offense. The club added outfielders Lane Thomas and Isaac Collins this offseason. They also expect young phenoms Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen to take a bigger role moving forward.
During his offseason training, Pasquantino focused on multiple areas. That included hitting off pitching machines and gaining his timing at the plate.
It will be a fast start for Pasquantino this spring. He will play for Italy in the World Baseball Classic and get a chance to jump into live action quickly.
“We worked really hard this offseason and I’m in the best shape of my life,” Pasquantino said. “... I knew the body was ready, so it was let’s get the skills up to par.”
The Royals will hold their first full-squad workout on Feb. 16 in Surprise, Arizona. Pasquantino will look to join Team Italy at the end of February with the 2026 World Baseball Classic beginning on March 4.
“This will be a weird spring with the WBC,” Pasquantino said. “We have a lot of guys playing, so it’s a great opportunity for some guys to get on the field in front of the big-league coaches.”
