Kansas City Royals News

Junior Fernández  • RP  •  Royals

Royals Sign Junior Fernandez To Minors Deal

The Kansas City Royals announced on Friday that they signed free-agent right-hander Junior Fernandez to a minor-league deal. Fernandez, a 27-year-old Dominican hurler, heads to Kansas City after making only two appearances overseas in Japan for the Chiba Lotte Marines. He has not appeared in the big leagues since the 2022 campaign, when he had a combined 2.41 ERA (5.79 FIP), a 1.61 WHIP and a 14:12 K:BB in 18 2/3 relief innings with the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. In four seasons in the majors, Fernandez has only thrown 54 innings of relief and has a 5.17 ERA and 1.72 WHIP with a weak 18.7% strikeout rate and 13.9% walk rate. He will just be hoping to impress in spring training with the Royals but will most likely open the 2025 season at Triple-A Omaha.
10 hours ago   
Kyle Wright  • SP  •  Royals

Royals Avoid Arbitration With Kyle Wright

The Kansas City Royals avoided salary arbitration with right-hander Kyle Wright (shoulder) on Tuesday by signing him to a one-year, $1.8 million deal for the 2025 season, according to a source. Wright will make the same salary he did in 2025 while he was rehabbing from surgery on his right shoulder. The former fifth overall pick by the Atlanta Braves in 2017 out of Vanderbilt missed all of the 2024 season and only appeared in nine games (seven starts) in his final season in Atlanta due to his shoulder injury. The 29-year-old has been throwing off a mound during the offseason and is expecting to be full go for spring training, though, giving the Royals another option for their starting rotation. However, given his missed season in 2024, he'll likely have his innings limited. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues might feel he's worth a flier in hopes he can recapture his breakout form in 2022.
3 days ago   
Kyle Wright  • SP  •  Royals

Kyle Wright Hoping To Be Healthy For Next Season

Kansas City Royals right-hander Kyle Wright (shoulder), who missed all of the 2024 season after having right-shoulder surgery, is hoping to be 100 percent healthy for spring training and the 2025 campaign. If he is, he could play a key role for the Royals' pitching staff. Wright touched 90 mph with his fastball in early October. Specifically, the 29-year-old hurler had surgery in October of 2023 to fix a torn capsule in his right shoulder. He won a league-high 21 games and had a 3.19 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in a career-high 30 starts for the Atlanta Braves back in 2022, so fantasy managers shouldn't completely forget about Wright. It remains to be seen if Wright can recapture his form from his breakout season in Atlanta, and he could be a work in progress next year as he works to regain more velocity. For now, Wright will merely be one to watch in KC.
Dec 12   
Maikel Garcia  • 3B  •  Royals

Maikel Garcia Undergoes Minor Elbow Surgery

Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia (elbow) underwent a minor procedure to remove bone chips in his right elbow on Thursday. Garcia reported elbow soreness to the Royals after playing catch at home the week before Thanksgiving, which prompted the team to send him for an MRI exam, in which bone chips were found. Garcia is expected to be ready for spring training in February and is expected to return as the team's primary third baseman in 2025 after hitting .231/.281/.332 in 2024 with 27 doubles and 37 stolen bases. In addition to his 27 doubles and 37 stolen bases for the Royals in a career-high 157 games in his third year in the big leagues, the Venezuelan infielder hit a career-high seven home runs, drove in 58 runs and scored 84 runs in 626 plate appearances. The 24-year-old doesn't have typical home run power for a third baseman, but the speed is nice for a corner-infield target in fantasy.
Dec 6   
Jordan Groshans  • 3B  •  Royals

Royals Sign Jordan Groshans To Minor-League Deal

The Kansas City Royals signed free-agent infielder Jordan Groshans to a minor-league deal on Tuesday, according to sources. Groshans, once a top prospect with the Toronto Blue Jays after they took him 12th overall in 2018 made his big-league debut with the Miami Marlins in 2022 and went 16-for-61 (.262) with a homer, two RBI and nine runs scored in just 17 games played. He spent all of 2024 toiling in the minors with the New York Yankees and Athletics, combining for a .235/.311/.318 slash line with a weak .628 OPS, four home runs, 34 RBI and 46 runs scored in 101 games with Double-A Midland, Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. At this point in his career, it's going to be an uphill battle for Groshans to return to the major-league level and have any kind of significant impact for the Royals.
Dec 4   
Kris Bubic  • SP  •  Royals

Royals Plan To Use Kris Bubic As A Starter

The Kansas City Royals plan to use left-hander Kris Bubic as a starting pitcher next season, although he'll most likely be on an innings limit of around 140 to 150 in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. At the top of the rotation, the Royals are set heading into the 2025 campaign with veteran right-handers Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha and lefty Cole Ragans. Kyle Wright (shoulder), Daniel Lynch and Noah Cameron are other options for KC's rotation. If the Royals add another pitcher this offseason, they would most likely be in more of a swing role, and it probably wouldn't come until later in the offseason. The 27-year-old Bubic had TJ surgery in April of 2023 and threw 30 1/3 relief innings late in 2024, finishing with a strong 2.67 ERA and 1.02 WHIP with 39 K's and only five walks. The Royals have an opening in their rotation after trading Brady Singer to the Reds.
Dec 4   
Noah Cameron  • SP  •  Royals

Noah Cameron Recognized As Royals' Top Pitching Prospect Of 2024

MLB Pipeline named left-handed pitcher Noah Cameron as Kansas City's top pitching prospect of the 2024 season. The Central Arkansas product opened the 2024 season by getting his second extended look at Double-A ball and took a significant step forward as he held a solid 3.63 ERA, with a 1.36 WHIP and a 25:87 BB:K ratio in 74 1/3 innings of work. In 2023, Cameron carried a high 6.10 ERA and 1.56 WHIP at Double-A. The southpaw was then rewarded with a promotion to Triple-A where he continued to progress as he posted a strong 2.32 ERA and 1.01 WHIP across 54 1/3 innings of work. He struck out 62 batters during this stretch with just 11 free passes. Given his steady improvement in 2024, Cameron could be in line to make his major league debut sometime in 2025.
Dec 1   
Blake Mitchell  • C  •  Royals

Blake Mitchell Tabbed As Top Kansas City Hitting Prospect For 2024

MLB Pipeline named catcher Blake Mitchell as the Kansas City Royals' top hitting prospect of the 2024 season. Mitchell, who was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft, enjoyed a solid first full taste of professional ball. Mitchell spent most of the summer with Single-A and held a .238/.376/.439 slash line. He tallied 16 doubles, 18 home runs, 50 RBI, and an impressive 25 stolen bases. He was one of just two catchers in the minor leagues who hit at least 18 home runs and swiped 18 bases. The other was Agustin Ramirez of the Marlins. Mitchell then moved up to High-A for his five final games of the season and tallied two hits during this stint. While the 20-year-old's MLB debut is still several seasons away, dynasty managers should continue to view him as a high-end catching prospect.
Dec 1   
Joey Wiemer  • LF  •  Royals

Joey Wiemer Traded To Kansas City

According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Kansas City Royals are acquiring Joey Wiemer from the Cincinnati Reds. Wiemer is an additional asset in the trade that sent Jonathan India to Kansas City and Brady Singer to Cincinnati. Wiemer was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft but struggled in his brief taste of the majors. Across two seasons in the big leagues, the outfielder posted an underwhelming .201/.279/.349 line. Wiemer was then acquired by the Reds last summer but made only two appearances with them. Across the minor leagues, the 25-year-old posted a solid .259/.359/.454 line with 52 home runs across 324 games. Fantasy managers should monitor Wiemer's progression during Spring Training in deeper formats as he could have a chance to make the Opening Day Roster.
Nov 23   
Jonathan India  • 2B  •  Royals

Jonathan India Traded To Kansas City

The Cincinnati Reds are trading second baseman Jonathan India to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brady Singer, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. India has spent the first four seasons of his major league career with the Reds and held a cumulative .253/.352/.412 slash line with 63 home runs. Last summer, India posted a .248/.357/.392 line with 15 home runs and 13 swiped bags. Under the hood, India boasted a stellar 12.6% walk rate and an above-average .352 xwOBA. Fantasy managers should expect the 27-year-old to operate as the starting second baseman in Kansas City with the upside to bat toward the top of the lineup. Batting in front of Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, and Salvador Perez should present India with solid scoring upside.
Nov 23   
Brady Singer  • SP  •  Royals  |  Jonathan India  • 2B  •  Reds

Reds, Royals Discussing Jonathan India, Brady Singer

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India is one of several hitters that the Kansas City Royals are targeting in a trade, according to sources briefed on the team's talks. On the flip side, right-hander Brady Singer is drawing interest from the Reds and other clubs that are looking to bolster their starting rotations. India and Singer were both first-round picks out of Florida back in 2018. A trade is not imminent, though, and the Royals are also discussing the idea of trading left-hander Kris Bubic or righty Alec Marsh for a young hitter. The 28-year-old Singer is more attractive because he's coming off a career season and is under team control for two more years. Both India and Singer will be eligible for salary arbitration a final time in 2026. Landing India would solve KC's second base woes after they tried five different players at the keystone in 2024.
Nov 18   
Jac Caglianone  • 1B  •  Royals

Jac Caglianone With Three-Hit Game In AFL Championship

Kansas City Royals first base prospect Jac Caglianone made a good final impression in the Arizona Fall League, going 3-for-4 with a walk and a run scored in the AFL championship game, although his team -- the Surprise Saguaros -- came up short on the losing end of a 3-2 final score. All in all, it was a solid showing for the 21-year-old, posting a final line of .236-5-21-14-2 in 21 AFL regular season games. The 2024 first-round draft pick played 29 games at High-A this year and could start next season at Double-A. Assuming he lives up to his draft-day profile, there's a good chance we'll see him in the big leagues by 2026.
Nov 17   
Jac Caglianone  • 1B  •  Royals

Jac Caglianone Homers, Collects Three RBI In AFL Action

Kansas City Royals first base prospect Jac Caglianone went 2-for-5 with a double and a home run in Thursday's Arizona Fall League (AFL) game for the Surprise Saguaros, finishing the day with three RBI and two runs scored. The 2024 sixth-overall draft pick has hit four doubles, five home runs, and has the third-most RBI (21) in the circuit, but has also struck out 19 times compared to just eight walks, leading to a .236 BA. Still, it's a solid performance for the 21-year-old who had just 126 professional plate appearances at High-A prior to the AFL campaign. Caglianone is the Royals' top prospect and is ranked 17th overall per MLB.com, but is still a couple of years away from an MLB debut. Dynasty managers will want to keep a close eye on how he performs in his sophomore season to make sure he's on track with lofty expectations.
Nov 15   
Jac Caglianone  • 1B  •  Royals

Jac Caglianone Hits A Double, Swipes A Bag In 2024 Fall Stars Game

Kansas City Royals first base prospect Jac Caglianone went 1-for-1 with a double, stolen base, and two walks during the 2024 Fall Stars Game. Caglianone drew a walk in the second frame and then scored on a double by Caleb Durin. Later in the game, Caglianone hit a double to left field and then proceeded to swipe third base. Throughout the Arizona Fall League, the top prospect in the Kansas City system has hit four home runs with a .247/.314/.442 slash line. The 21-year-old was selected with the sixth-overall selection in last year's draft and was only able to spend a brief stint in High-A. During this 29 game sample, the Florida product posted a .241/.302/.388 line with nine doubles and two home runs. Caglianone remains a top prospect to stash in dynasty formats but is likely several seasons away from his major league debut.
Nov 10   
Bobby Witt Jr.  • SS  •  Royals

Royals Looking For Leadoff Hitter To Set The Table For Bobby Witt Jr.

Among non-leadoff hitters in 2024, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who hit second for the team, had the most plate appearances (433) with the bases empty. Witt still impressed with 109 RBI, 211 hits, 32 home runs and a .332 batting average, but the Royals are looking to prioritize quality contact and on-base percentage as they look for a new leadoff hitter this offseason. Royals hitters struck out at just a 19.4% clip (third-lowest in baseball) but also had a .306 on-base percentage (19th). Among players that KC might be looking at include Reds infielders Jonathan India and Spencer Steer and free agent Jurickson Profar. If the Royals explore the trade market, league sources suggest they would listen to offers for left-hander Kris Bubic and right-hander Alec Marsh.
Nov 7   
Michael Wacha  • SP  •  Royals

Michael Wacha, Royals Agree To Three-Year Deal

The Kansas City Royals and right-hander Michael Wacha agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal on Sunday, according to sources. The deal to keep Wacha in town includes a club option and can max out at four years and $72 million. The 33-year-old veteran and former first-rounder was a big reason why the Royals surprised with a playoff appearance in 2024 and advanced to the American League Division Series before losing to the New York Yankees. He was fully expected to decline his $16 million player option for 2025 after going 13-8 with a 3.35 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 145 strikeouts in 166 2/3 innings in his 29 regular-season starts. Wacha has pitched pretty well the last three seasons with the Royals, Padres and Red Sox when he's managed to stay healthy. However, he's had issues avoiding the injury bug in the past and doesn't miss as many bats as fantasy managers would like.
Nov 4   
Chris Stratton  • RP  •  Royals  |  Hunter Renfroe  • RF  •  Royals

Hunter Renfroe, Chris Stratton Returning To Kansas City

Kansas City Royals outfielder Hunter Renfroe and relief pitcher Chris Stratton both had their 2025 club options exercised according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Renfroe had a down year in 2024 as he hit just 15 home runs, his lowest total in a full season throughout his career. He held a .229/.297/.392 slash line. Stratton served as a high-leverage reliever this past summer and posted a 5.55 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP with four saves and five holds. Fantasy managers should expect Renfroe to be deployed as a platoon option early on in right field with the opportunity to grow into a full-time role if he can get back on track. He could be worth a look as a late-option for power in deeper formats. Stratton should be in the mix to see a handful of save opportunities in 2025.
Nov 1   
Will Smith  • C  •  Dodgers  |  Will Smith  • RP  •  Royals

Will Smith Has Negative Results On X-Rays

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (hand) was lifted from Game 5 of the NLCS after taking a foul ball off his hand. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports that the backstop was taken for X-rays, but the tests were negative. As a result, DFS players should expect the primary catcher to be behind the dish this evening as the Dodgers hope to clinch the series victory over the New York Mets. During the postseason, the 29-year-old has posted an underwhelming .143/.268/.229 line with one home run and four RBI. He will face a difficult matchup this evening against Mets southpaw Sean Manaea, who has held a strong 2.65 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP across 17 innings in October.
Oct 20   
Chris Stratton  • RP  •  Royals  |  Hunter Harvey  • RP  •  Royals

Hunter Harvey, James McArthur, Chris Stratton Expected To Be Ready Next Year

Kansas City Royals relief pitchers Hunter Harvey (back), James McArthur (elbow) and Chris Stratton (forearm) are all expected to be healthy entering spring training next February after ending 2024 on the injured list. Stratton holds a $4.5 million player option for next season. Harvey began the year with the Nationals and had a rough 6.35 ERA and 2.12 WHIP with one save in only 5 2/3 innings for the Royals before being shut down in late September. McArthur began the year as KC's primary closer but eventually lost the job and was diagnosed with a Grade 1 UCL sprain in his right elbow in mid-September. He had a career-high 18 saves but also an ERA just under 5.00. Stratton, who has a right flexor strain, also underwhelmed in 2024 with a 5.55 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and four saves in 58 1/3 innings in his first year with the Royals.
Oct 15   
Adam Frazier  • 2B  •  Royals

Adam Frazier To Have Thumb Surgery

Kansas City Royals infielder/outfielder Adam Frazier (thumb), who has an $8.5 million mutual option for the 2025 season (with a $2.5 million buyout), is having surgery on his right thumb this week, according to general manager J.J. Picollo. Frazier strained his thumb in June and received an injection to speed up the recovery process, but he didn't miss any time the rest of the year. Barring a setback over the winter, the 32-year-old veteran should be ready to go for the start of spring training next February. The nine-year MLB veteran will be a utility player for the Royals again in 2025 if he decides to exercise his option and return for a second season in KC. Fantasy-wise, Frazier isn't relevant in mixed leagues at this point in his career after slashing a weak .202/.282/.294 with a career-low .576 OPS in 104 games in 2024. He added only four home runs, 22 RBI and 35 runs scored.
Oct 15   
LEGEND
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