The Royals formally confirmed a four-year, $25 million contract extension with third baseman Hunter Dozier, as previously reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Dozier would have been available for free agency following the 2023 season, but he will forfeit at least one year of free agency, and maybe two if the option is exercised.

According to the terms of the agreement, he can earn up to $49 million.

Dayton Moore is a great believer in transactions that benefit both parties, especially his own players.

The Royals benefit by retaining Hunter Dozier for up to five more years, while Hunter Dozier benefits from securing his financial future in what is likely to be the only long-term contract of his career.

By paying Dozier $4.5 million in his second year of arbitration and $7.25 million in his final year of arbitration, the Royals will save money in the next two years if he performs similarly to what he did in 2019.

Dozier will almost certainly earn over $20 million in his final two years of arbitration if he is simply an above-average hitter this year and next.

If he continues to be a strong hitter, this pact will curb his wages, but if he doesn’t, he will be guaranteed.

How Much Does Hunter Dozier Make?

Dozier Earns an average of $6,250,000 per year. Dozier will earn a base salary of $4,500,000 in 2022.