Third baseman Hunter Dozier and the Kansas City Royals have agreed on a $ 25 million four-year contract extension that includes a $ 10 million option over five years, sources told ESPN.
The deal buys two potential free agent years for the 29-year-old and begins this season. The contract includes escalators and bonuses that could reach a maximum of $ 49 million over the five years.
Dozier missed the start of the season last year after testing positive for COVID-19. He made his season debut on August 9th. In 44 games, Dozier scored a .228 / .344 / .392 slash line with six home runs and 12 RBIs.
He had a breakthrough in the 2019 season where he hit 26 homers, was responsible for leading the American League three times (10) and had 84 RBIs.
Dozier is a clear part of a royals team that wants to make noise in a suddenly rising AL Central. Earlier this off-season, Kansas City outfielder Andrew Benintendi acquired through a deal with the Boston Red Sox.