KC Royals: Breaking Down the Payroll for 2016
By Joel Wagler
Kansas City Royals left fielder Ben Zobrist (18) – Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The KC Royals Payroll is Most Likely Already over $100 Million for 2016
So just how much money is already tied up in the 2016 payroll?
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- Under contract – $61.25 million
- Players with team options – $17.95 million, including buy-outs
- Arb-eligible estimates – $29 million
- Dead money owed to Jason Frasor
These salaries add up to a approximately $108.2 million. Seventeen roster spots are filled, but it leaves holes in left field, right field, backup catcher, utility infield, fifth outfielder, and a couple of spots in the bullpen. The backup catcher and fifth outfield spots could be filled with guys like Paulo Orlando from within the organization for league minimum, around $400,000.
To re-sign guys like Franklin Morales and Ryan Madson, it might take five of six million. To sign Alex Gordon and Ben Zobrist, or similar players, it is probably going to take $30 million.
If neither Gordon or Zobrist can be re-signed, Moore will first have to look from within (Brett Eibner perhaps) for one of the spots. Then he will scour the free agents available for outfielders and bullpen arms that are cheaper and serviceable.
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