KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI (TICKER) — The Kansas City Royals addressed needs for a utility player and veteran leader on Friday by signing free-agent Luis Alicea to a one-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Alicea, 35, spent the last three seasons of a 10-year career in Texas, where he enjoyed his best offensive campaign in 2000, hitting .294 with six home runs and 63 RBI — all career highs.
A switch-hitter, Alicea started at second base for the Rangers but became expendable with the acquisition of veteran Randy Velarde from Oakland.
Alicea also can play third base, which is occupied by Joe Randa in Kansas City. He is expected to battle Carlos Febles for playing time at second.
“Luis will be a great addition that will upgrade our utility role for the 2001 season,” general manager Allard Baird said. “He is a switch-hitter with a high on-base percentage that will also supply us with veteran leadership.”
A native of Puerto Rico, Alicea ranked second among American League second baseman in batting average behind Cleveland’s Roberto Alomar (.310) in 2000.
Alicea is a .260 lifetime hitter in 1,134 major league games, also playing for Anaheim, St. Louis (twice) and Boston. He was a first-round draft pick by the Cardinals in 1986.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Infielder Luis Alicea and the Kansas City Royals agreed Friday to an $800,000, one-year contract.
Alicea, 35, can make an additional $400,000 in performance bonuses, getting $50,000 for appearing in 80 games and $50,000 for each additional 10 games through 150.
Alicea, who made $1.15 million last year, spent the last three seasons with Texas, hitting .294 last year with 85 runs, 159 hits, six homers and 63 RBIs.
He has a .260 career average in 10 major league seasons with 42 homers and 367 RBIs.
“Luis will be a great addition that will upgrade our utility role for the 2001 season,” Royals general manager Allard Baird said. “He is a switch-hitter with a high on-base percentage.”