The Royals performed some roster maintenance on Friday, signing right-handed pitcher Mike Morin to a one-year contract while opting to let outfielder Terrance Gore become a free agent before re-signing him on a minor-league deal.
The moves came before Friday’s deadline to tender contracts to salary arbitration eligible players.
The Royals also tendered contracts to pitchers Kelvin Herrera, Nathan Karns and Brandon Maurer. But first, they maneuvered to retain Gore, 26, while clearing a roster spot.
A playoff weapon in 2014 and 2015, Gore offers elite speed and base-stealing ability late in games. The rest of his skill set, however, has never matched his speed.