The deal includes a salary of $772,500 if Hochevar is in the minors, but he is out of options. He was coming off a $5.3 million, four-year contract that included a $3.5 million signing bonus. The $1.76 million salary represents the maximum 20 percent cut from his 2009 major league salary ($1,325,000) plus $875,000, which represents a prorated share of the $3.5 million signing bonus in his previous deal.
Hochevar was 7-13 in 25 starts for Kansas City last year with an ERA of 6.55. The 26-year-old right-hander did have a few encouraging bright spots, including an 80-pitch, complete-game victory over Cincinnati.
Kansas City also agreed to a one-year contract with right-hander Carlos Rosa. The 25-year-old made seven relief appearances in September for Kansas City and had a 3.38 ERA. He was also 2-8 with a 4.56 ERA in 43 relief appearances for Triple-A Omaha.
First baseman Billy Butler and second baseman Alberto Callaspo are the only players left unsigned in camp.
Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton (bruised shoulder) scratched from intrasquad gamePique set for contract extension
