Why the Royals moved on from Hunter Dozier, and what’s next in free agency

On Monday, nan Kansas City Royals amazingly moved connected from Hunter Dozier. Here’s why they did it and what’s coming next.

In caller weeks, nan Kansas City Royals had been internally discussing whether to move connected from infielder Hunter Dozier.

They had conscionable signed Dozier to a four-year, $25 cardinal statement hold successful 2021 that included a fifth-year nine option, but his play connected nan section did travel adjacent to gathering expectations. Dozier, 31, was hitting .183/.253/.305 pinch 2 location runs and 9 RBI and ne'er seemed afloat recovered from a thumb wounded that he suffered successful crippled 1 of nan 2021 season.

Still, Dozier was a weighted locker room presence, and a leader connected a young shot club. He provided worth and connected a net that paid an mean of $6.25 cardinal per year, nan squad could warrant paying that salary. But nan Royals elected to move connected and prevention a roster spot for nan 23-year-old Maikel Garcia.

MLB Rumors: What’s adjacent for Hunter Dozier?

Dozier is now taxable to waivers, wherever he will apt clear, and go a free agent. Any squad that signs him will only person to salary nan prorated veterans minimum, pinch nan Royals connected nan hook for nan remainder of his $16.75 cardinal contract.

In free agency, Dozier is expected to person a decent market, according to sources. A subordinate of his caliber — 73 profession location runs, nan expertise to play nan infield and outfield, and seasoned leader — connected a inexpensive statement is thing that will surely intrigue teams looking for roster depth. Perhaps a alteration of scenery will thief him bounce back.

Both privately and publicly, nan Royals person insisted that nan result Dozier’s hold will not dissuade them from doing deals successful nan future. There is 1 campaigner connected nan roster, Vinny Pasquantino, who could beryllium owed for an extension, though it’s chartless whether talks person taken spot aliases not.

While nan New York Yankees designating Aaron Hicks for assignment hardly came arsenic a surprise, nan Royals moving connected from Dozier caught galore group successful shot circles disconnected guard.

“You don’t spot nan Royals eat that overmuch money often,” said 1 rival executive.