Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino provided an update on a possible extension to his contract.
Left-handed slugger Vinnie Pasquantino has firmly established himself as one of the most important pieces of the Kansas City Royals’ offense, and his breakout 2025 season underscored just how valuable he has become.
Serving as the team’s everyday first baseman, Pasquantino posted a .264 batting average, .323 on-base percentage and .798 OPS with 32 home runs and 113 RBIs across 160 games. His production ranked among the top in the American League. For a Royals team looking to build momentum, Pasquantino’s durability and consistency were critical.
His path to this level of success was far from straightforward. Drafted in the 11th round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Pasquantino worked his way through the minor leagues with a reputation for plate discipline and steadily improving power.
He debuted with Kansas City in June 2022, quickly showing that his patient approach at the plate could translate to the big leagues. Injuries, however, slowed his early progress. A shoulder issue sidelined him in 2023, and a right thumb fracture cut short his 2024 season just as he was emerging as one of the best hitters in the lineup.
Healthy again in 2025, Pasquantino delivered the kind of season the Royals envisioned when they promoted him. Off the field, he has become a clubhouse presence and fan favorite, known for his competitive nature and approachable personality.
His left-handed power and strike zone control make him a prototypical middle-of-the-order bat, and his performance has positioned him as a key piece of Kansas City’s lineup for years to come.
Pasquantino’s long‑term future came up during his appearance on MLB Network’s Foul Territory podcast Tuesday. Asked if the Royals had engaged in extension talks, he responded, “Yes, kind of, not in a years. So no, I mean, it depends on how recently you’re talking, but yes, to an extent, but not really.”
The comment reflects that while discussions have occurred, no serious negotiations are currently underway. That is somewhat surprising given Kansas City’s willingness to extend homegrown talent like shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and more recently third baseman Maikel Garcia.
Pasquantino remains under team control through the 2028 season, when he is scheduled to reach free agency. For now, the Royals appear content to let their first baseman continue to anchor the lineup while his value grows. But given his breakout campaign and importance to the franchise, extension talks are likely to resurface as Kansas City looks to secure its offensive centerpiece well into the future.