The Royals have started signing their core players to long term deals including Whit Merrifield. The next player on their list was Hunter Dozier. On Friday night, the Royals and Dozier began discussing a contract extension. Dozier has proven he can smash the ball out of the ballpark. The Royals have a few others that can hit for power as well in Jorge Soler and Salvador Perez. Unlike Soler and Perez, Dozier can be used to play many other positions on the field like first base and the outfield; but, his primary position is third base. However, I don’t think his job at third base is set in stone long term. The Royals have said this past offseason that Dozier will be moved around the diamond. While his position isn’t a lock, the Royals believe he is part of the long term plan, and they made that known when they gave him the four-year deal. The deal in my opinion is a steal for the Royals. Dozier’s deal will keep him in Kansas City through the year 2025. The contract itself allows him to earn $49 million in bonuses. The deal also includes a club option for the 2025 season. This contract will, in my opinion, let the Royals take advantage of Dozier’s prime years. Let’s hope the Royals can reach the postseason during the life of Dozier’s deal. I don’t think there is a downside to the deal if Dozier produces the way he has the past few seasons. If Dozier keeps up his production, the Royals will be a threat in the American League Central for years to come with this young group of guys currently in the Majors, and the ones that are close to reaching the big leagues.
