Royals, Hochevar Avoid Arbitration

The Royals announced today they reached agreement with Luke Hochevar on a one-year agreement. The value of the contract is $4.56 million with an additional $100,000 available on performance bonuses.

I had been using MLB Trade Rumors for projection of arbitration eligibles in calculating payroll for 2013 and they had Hochevar at $4.4 million.

Either way, it represents around a $1 million raise for the starter who finished with a 4.32 xFIP and 1.5 fWAR.

Arbitration is what it is: A system that values longevity over performance. Pitch enough innings and you will get paid, no matter the quality.

He's totally turning that corner this year.