Vinnie Pasquantino, Carlos Santana, and Yainer Diaz: Key Contract Moves Shape Early 2026 MLB Landscape
Vinnie Pasquantino has quietly become one of the cornerstones of the Kansas City Royals' lineup, and now he’s being paid like it. The Royals locked in their left-handed slugger with a two-year, $11.1 million deal, avoiding arbitration and making a clear statement: Pasquantino is part of the blueprint moving forward.
This deal, which includes incentives that could push the total value to $15.7 million, reflects both his production and his potential. In 2026, Pasquantino enters his first year of arbitration eligibility, and Kansas City made sure to avoid a hearing by bridging the gap-he filed at $4.5 million, the team countered at $4 million, and they ultimately found middle ground with a structure that pays $4.2 million in 2026 and $6.9 million in 2027.
There’s more on the table, too. If Pasquantino reaches 450, 500, and 550 plate appearances in 2027, he can earn up to $600,000 in bonuses. There are also award incentives baked in, recognizing the kind of season he just had-and the kind he might be gearing up for.
Pasquantino was a force in the Royals’ lineup last year, putting together the best campaign of his four-year MLB career. In 160 games, he racked up 621 plate appearances and posted a .264/.323/.475 slash line.
He slugged 32 home runs, drove in 113 runs, and finished with a 120 OPS+. That’s not just solid-it’s middle-of-the-order production for a team looking to climb back into contention.
His 2.4 bWAR underscored his all-around value, and at 28 years old, he’s entering what should be the prime of his career.
Diamondbacks Add Veteran Presence with Carlos Santana
Out west, the Arizona Diamondbacks made a move of their own, signing veteran first baseman and designated hitter Carlos Santana to a one-year, $2 million deal. It’s a short-term solution with a familiar name-a player who’s been around the league and brings a steady veteran presence to the clubhouse.
The signing also effectively closes the door-at least for now-on any potential reunion with Paul Goldschmidt. The former face of the franchise had been loosely linked to Arizona this offseason, but with Santana now in the fold, that window seems to have shut.
Goldschmidt, a free agent after a one-year, $12 million stint with the Yankees in 2025, spent the first eight years of his career in Arizona, earning six All-Star nods and a 2022 NL MVP along the way. A return would’ve been a full-circle moment, but the D-backs are turning the page, opting for the more affordable, short-term option in Santana.
Santana, now 39, split last season between Cleveland and Chicago. He signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the Guardians before being released in August, then finished the year with the Cubs. While his best years are behind him, he still offers pop from both sides of the plate and a professional approach that can help balance a young roster.
Yainer Diaz Wins Arbitration Case with Astros
Meanwhile, in Houston, catcher Yainer Diaz came out on top in his arbitration hearing, securing a $4.5 million salary for 2026-$1.5 million more than the Astros’ $3 million offer. It’s a significant bump for the 27-year-old, who just wrapped up his third MLB season and entered arbitration eligibility for the first time.
Diaz has been Houston’s primary catcher over the past three years, compiling 9.1 bWAR during that stretch. While his offensive numbers dipped in 2025-he slashed .256/.284/.417 with 20 home runs, 70 RBIs, and a 98 OPS+ across 143 games-he’s still the club’s only proven big-league catcher on the roster. That role carries weight, and the arbitration panel clearly saw his overall contributions as worthy of the higher salary.
For the Astros, Diaz remains a key piece behind the plate, especially as they navigate a transition phase with several veterans aging out of their primes. His bat may have cooled a bit last season, but his ability to handle a pitching staff and provide occasional pop makes him a valuable asset.
The Bottom Line
These early-February moves might not grab the same headlines as blockbuster trades or nine-figure free-agent deals, but they matter. The Royals are investing in a bat they believe can anchor the middle of their lineup.
The Diamondbacks are patching a hole with a seasoned vet while signaling their direction for 2026. And the Astros are rewarding a young catcher who’s been doing the dirty work behind the dish.
Each of these moves tells us something about where these teams are and where they’re trying to go. And with spring training just around the corner, the pieces are starting to fall into place.