Royals' Brayan Pena avoids arbitration

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Royals agreed to one-year contracts with catcher Brayan Pena and second baseman Chris Getz on Monday, avoiding arbitration with both players.

Pena will get $835,000 this season after hitting .248 with three homers and 24 RBIs in 72 games last year. He's expected to back up Salvador Perez, who batted .331 with three homers and 21 RBIs in 39 games after getting called up from the minors.

Getz receives $967,500 and can earn a $17,500 bonus for playing 110 games and a $50,000 bonus if he's an All-Star. He made $443,000 last year.

Getz, the starter last season until Johnny Giavotella was called up, hit .255 with 26 RBIs in 118 games. He will provide depth at second base and shortstop.

The Royals have five players still eligible for arbitration: pitchers Luke Hochevar, Felipe Paulino and Jonathan Sanchez, and outfielders Alex Gordon and Mitch Maier.

Teams and players exchange salary proposals Tuesday.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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