Kansas City has released Emilio Bonifacio after the utility man and his $3.5 million contract predictably passed through waivers. Because his one-year deal was an arbitration avoidance it’s not fully guaranteed, so by releasing him the Royals are only on the hook for around $575,000. Or maybe “only” is a better way to put it.
Either way, Kansas City basically flushed $575,000 down the drain between the time they signed Bonifacio two weeks ago and now. And he’s free to sign with any team for any amount he can get, like a normal free agent.
Kansas City’s budget changed when Bruce Chen agreed to re-sign and it’s hard to imagine Bonifacio finding another gig this late for near $3.5 million after he hit just .243 with three homers and a .625 OPS in 136 games last season.