ROYALS AGREE WITH VERSATILE FRAZIER ON PACT

The Kansas City Royals and utility man Adam Frazier agreed to a $4.5 million, one-year contract to provide the club with a left-handed bat and some versatility in the lineup, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Saturday.

Frazier will make $2 million this season with an $8.5 million mutual option for next season and a $2.5 million buyout, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical.

The 32-year-old Fraizer spent last season with the AL East champion Orioles, hitting .240 with career highs of 13 homers and 60 RBIS across 141 games. He primarily played second base in Baltimore, but the Royals envision using him at several spots — he also has played shortstop, third base and all three outfield positions in his career.

Frazier was an All-star in 2021, when he began the season with Pittsburgh and was traded to San Diego in July. He hit .305 that season and showcased a low strikeout rate that should play well in the Kansas City lineup and Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals appeared set with their lineup as they headed toward spring training.

Rising star Bobby Witt Jr. is entrenched at shortstop, Michael Massey is expected to man second base and Maikel Garcia, another young cornerstone, will handle the primary duties at third base. The Royals added Hunter Renfroe in free agency to provide some pop to the lineup and solidify the outfield, while Drew Waters, Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez will compete for at-bats.

But after injuries played

Neris to Cubs

The Chicago Cubs and Héctor Neris agreed to a $9 million, one-year contract, giving manager Craig Counsell another late-inning arm for his bullpen, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.

The contract includes a team option that converts to a player option if Neris appears in 60 games.

The 34-year-old Neris went 6-3 with a 1.71 ERA in 71 games with Houston last season. The right-hander has made at least 60 appearances six times, including each of the last three years.

Neris likely will slot in as one of Chicago’s primary setup men for Adbert Alzolay, who had 22 saves in 25 chances in 2023 in his first season as the closer. The Cubs also have Julian Merryweather and Mark Leiter Jr. at the back of their bullpen.

Notable

a big part in another 100loss season for the Royals in 2023, the relatively low-risk deal to add Frazier to the mix makes sense.

Carlos Carrasco is circling back with the Guardians. The 36-year-old righthander, who spent 11 seasons pitching for Cleveland, has agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the team.

• Matt Moore is returning to the Los Angeles Angels after the sides completed a $9 million, one-year contract. The 34-year-old pitcher spent most of last season with the Angels and went 4-1 with a 2.66 ERA in 41 relief appearances for Los Angeles.

Adam Frazier