Royals sign Justin Maxwell, avoid arbitration

Published Jan. 21, 2014 6:43 p.m. ET

foxsports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Outfielder Justin Maxwell, projected to be the Royals' fourth or fifth outfielder this season, signed a one-year deal with the club, thus avoiding arbitration.

Maxwell was asking for $1.7 million, and a club source confirmed Maxwell received $1.325 million. The Royals had offered $1.075 million last week when the two sides exchanged arbitration figures.

Maxwell was acquired last July 31 from the Houston Astros. In 35 games with the Royals, he hit .268 with five homers and 17 RBIs.

Maxwell was best known for his game-winning, extra-inning homer to beat the Mets, and his walk-off grand slam in the 10th inning of the home finale against Texas.

The Royals have two unsigned arbitration eligible players left -- relievers Greg Holland and Aaron Crow.