Royals sign utility player Garrett Hampson to one-year, $2 million deal

The Royals announced they have signed veteran utility player Garrett Hampson to a one-year contract. Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports he will make $2 million. The 29-year-old is a six-year MLB veteran with the Rockies and Marlins and has hit .241/.305/.371 in 1,531 career plate appearances.

Hampson spent last year with the Marlins and put up a career-best line of .276/.349/.380 in 252 plate appearances with three home runs. He played every position except first base, catcher, and pitcher. He has shown good speed in his career with 57 steals in 70 attempts, and was 5-for-5 last year, finishing among the league leaders in sprint speed. He was non-tendered by the Marlins and was projected to make $1.3 million through the arbitration process. He would be eligible for free agency at the end of the season.

Picollo previously said he was satisfied with his infield, which will likely include starters Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Massey, Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia. Nick Loftin, Devin Mann, Samad Taylor will also be competing for reserve infield roles.