Gilbert’s Chris Owings signs one-year contract with Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Gilbert High grad Chris Owings agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, just five days after he was cut by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Owings can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses as part of the deal announced Wednesday.

The 27-year-old Owings hit .206 in 106 games this year. He made 33 starts in right field, 10 in center, nine at third, eight and second and three in left. He had 12 homers and 51 RBI in 2017.

Owings had a $3.4 million salary this year, was eligible for salary arbitration and likely would have received a raise. But the Diamondbacks failed to offer a 2019 contract by last Friday’s deadline.

He is eligible for free agency after the 2019 season.

The AP contributed to this report.