The Royals announced this evening that they have avoided arbitration with right-hander Felipe Paulino by agreeing to a one-year contract. Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports that Paulino will receive a $1.75 million base salary which could increase to $2 million based on performance bonuses.
Paulino was arbitration-eligible for the third time this winter. The 29-year-old right-hander made $1.9 million this past season prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery in early June, so he actually agreed to a $150,000 pay cut. However, he could potentially end up making more if he ends up contributing in any meaningful way in 2013. It’s probably unrealistic to expect him back until after the All-Star break, though.
Paulino was the owner of a 5.93 ERA as a member of the Astros and Rockies, but he has compiled a 3.55 ERA and 158/63 K/BB ratio over 162 1/3 innings since joining the Royals in May of 2011.
