The Royals announced they have avoided arbitration with reliever James McArthur, signing him to a contract for 2026 for $810,000, according to MLB.com reporter Anne Rogers.
McArthur led the team with 18 saves in 2024, posting a 4.92 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 56.2 innings. He missed all of this season following elbow surgery. He was eligible for arbitration for the first time this year, but his injury likely hurt his earnings potential. MLB Trade Rumors projected he would earn just $800,000 through arbitration, just a bit over the $780,000 league minimum.
McArthur lost his closer’s role in 2024 to Lucas Erceg, and Carlos Estévez handled closing duties in 2025. McArthur will likely have to ease his way back in low-leverage situations after a year off. The 28-year-old right-hander is known for a big curve and good control, but he did not have great strikeout numbers for a late-inning closer.
The Royals have 12 other players eligible for arbitration that they must decide to either tender or non-tender a contract by Friday’s deadline. Those players are Kris Bubic, Taylor Clarke, Bailey Falter, Maikel Garcia, Jonathan India, Kyle Isbel, Daniel Lynch IV, Michael Massey, MJ Melendez, Vinnie Pasquantino, John Schreiber, and Angel Zerpa.
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