Arbitrary Thoughts: Is Michael Massey Worth His Rising 2027 Projections?

[Brian Shrum]

Image courtesy of Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Michael Massey, 2B

• 2023 Salary: $722,850
• 2024 Salary: $757,000
• 2025 Salary: $790,250
• 2026 Salary: $1,570,000 (First Year of Arbitration)

Massey Background

Michael Massey was drafted 109th overall by the Royals in the 4th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Massey has a strong line drive swing that helped propel him through the minor leagues quickly, making his MLB debut in July of 2022. After a strong rookie performance in the back half of the 2022 season, Massey played over 100 games in both 2023 and 2024, showing his power-hitting capabilities with 15 home runs in 2023 and 14 in 2024, along with an above-average OPS+ of 108. 

Unfortunately, his career hit a bump in the road during the 2025 season, as he was plagued by injuries, including a high ankle sprain, a fractured wrist, and chronic lower back tightness. These issues sidelined him for most of the 2025 season, during which he played only 77 games and posted a slash line of .244/.268/.313 (.581 OPS). Based on that slash line, his power numbers were clearly down from prior years, as he hit only 3 home runs and finished with a wRC+ well below average at 57, according to FanGraphs. 

In his first year of arbitration, Massey settled with the front office on a $1.57 million salary for the 2026 season, and he made the most of it with a good comeback year. This past season, he had his health back and played in 131 games for the Royals. He logged a career-best slash line of .272/.303/.428 (.731 OPS) with a 2.3 fWAR, proving himself to be a solid everyday player. In addition to his success at the plate, he was also a strong defender for the Royals this past season, finishing the year with +11 Outs Above Average (OAA), which ranked second in the American League. Massey is a finalist for the 2026 American League Gold Glove Award. 

2026 Stats: 131 G, 452 PA, .272/.303/.428 (.731), 13 HR, 25 2B, 1 3B, 50 RBI, 4.6 BB%, 16.6 K%

Royals Depth At Second Base

Nick Loftin: 40-man roster

Jonathan India: 40-man roster (If the Royals resign him, unrestricted free agent)

Josh Rojas: 40-man roster (If the Royals resign him, unrestricted free agent)

Tyler Tolbert: 40-man roster

Minor Leagues: Javi Vaz, Peyton Wilson

Considering the Royals are highly unlikely to re-sign Jonathan India or Josh Rojas, the primary alternative depth at second base would be Nick Loftin, who can play virtually anywhere as a great utility player. Like Massey, Loftin also showed his elite defensive abilities, finishing the year as an American League Gold Glove finalist (3B). 

Beyond Loftin, the 40-man roster features another utility option in Tyler Tolbert, who is fully capable of manning second base but is primarily used for his speed on the basepaths and in the outfield. I would not consider Tolbert a true threat to Massey's everyday role at second base. 

Further down the pipeline, Javier Vaz represents homegrown infield depth; however, he does not possess the major league power that Massey has at the plate. Since the other internal options behind Massey are either versatile bench pieces or unproven prospects, Massey's top spot on the depth chart remains undisputed.

Why the Royals Should Offer Him Arbitration

Tendering Michael Massey a contract this offseason is a must for the Royals front office. In his second year of arbitration and after an impressive comeback season in 2026, Massey is projected to earn between $3.2 and $3.5 million in 2027. For a team looking to get back into the playoffs and valuing high-quality defensive play, tendering Massey a contract in this range would be a great bargain for Gold Glove talent. 

Massey does offer above-average offensive production for a traditionally weak-hitting position. Among all American League second basemen in 2026 with 450 or more plate appearances, he finished 3rd in batting average (.272) and 4th in slugging percentage (.428). High-level two-way middle infielders are difficult and expensive to acquire on the open market. Letting a player like Massey walk over a modest $3 million contract would be a step backward for the organization. 

Why the Royals Should Non-Tender Him

While Massey's .272 batting average was productive, his overall offensive value was exactly at league average, posting a wRC+ of 100 this past season. He is also a player who does not draw many walks, as he has posted a BB% of around 5% each year since being called up to the majors. Because he rarely draws walks, his on-base percentage tends to be lower than others'. If he were to experience a regression in contact and batting averages in 2027, his offensive value could drop substantially due to a lack of walks. 

Massey Prediction

This decision should be straightforward for J.J. Picollo and the Royals' front office. Expect the Royals to tender Massey a 2027 contract in the $3.2-$3.5 million range. Massey enters the winter with massive leverage and a secure roster spot. A long-term contract extension may be discussed later on, but for now he should be entering 2027 as the Royals' everyday second baseman. 

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