Royals right-hander Brandon Maurer reportedly lost his arbitration case and will earn $2.95 million in 2018, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. Maurer had requested $3.5 million.
Maurer, 27, was acquired from the Padres prior to last year's non-waiver Trade Deadline along with Ryan Buchter and Trevor Cahill in exchange for Minor Leaguer Esteury Ruiz, Matt Strahm, Travis Wood and cash.
Maurer struggled in 26 relief appearances with Kansas City, posting an 8.10 ERA with two saves. He's expected to compete with Kelvin Herrera, who converted 26 of 31 save opportunities last season, for the closer's role this spring.