After a horrendous season with the Texas Rangers in 2014, free agent outfielder Alex Rios has agreed to a one year, $11 million dollar contract with the Kansas City Royals. As is the case with many veteran players who are coming off of a poor season, Rios signed on with the hope that he can produce a good year with the Royals, and thereby earning a multi-year deal in 2016. The Royals, considered to be a mid-market team, have brought in the veteran outfielder to play right field. In 2014, Rios hit four home runs, drove in 54 runs, and stole 17 bases while replacing Nelson Cruz in the Texas Ranger outfield, hitting a ton of balls right near the big Beneful sign at the park.

Rios will slide into the right field position for the Royals replacing Nori Aoki. Prior to signing Rios, the Royals were interested in Toronto’s Colby Rasmus, and San Francisco’s Michael Morse. By bringing in Rios, the Royals will continue to utilize Jarrod Dyson as their fourth outfielder. Dyson turned in respectable numbers in 2014, and his speed and defense make will continue to be useful in late innings which will include providing a bit of rest for Rios. Rios is the second veteran addition to the Royals in the off season joining Kendrys Morales. Rios is slotted to bat sixth in the Royals batting lineup. Ultimately, Kansas City is hopeful that Rios will return to his two year average numbers produced in Chicago which included 22 home runs and 32 stolen bases.