Royals sign Kevin Kouzmanoff

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Royals have added a veteran insurance policy at the corner infield positions. The team has signed Kevin Kouzmanoff to a minor-league deal with an invite to Major League camp.

The 30-year-old is a very good defensive player. He set a National League single-season record for third basemen with a .990 fielding percentage in 2009. At the plate, Kouzmanoff is a career .255 hitter with 85 home runs over parts of six seasons in the Major Leagues. He has played for Cleveland, San Diego, Oakland and Colorado.

Kouzmanoff provides some insurance at third base with Mike Moustakas expected to play his first full season in the Majors. General manager Dayton Moore told the Kansas City Star Kouzmanoff could also spend some time at first base.

"He'll certainly come in like everybody else in Major League camp and compete to make our Major League team. But it also gives us depth and versatility at the corner. He can play third and first."

According to reports, Kouzmanoff will earn a base salary of $1 million if he makes the Major League roster. He could earn an additional $300,000 in incentives. The contract also allows Kouzmanoff to ask for his release if he is not on the Major League roster by May 1.