Castro signed a minor-league contract with the Royals on Saturday and received an invitation to spring training. Castro spent the 2024 season in the Mexican Baseball League, where he slashed .320/.366/.447 across 363 plate appearances. He'll now attempt an MLB comeback after his strong season in Mexico, though there's a good chance his return to affiliated ball begins at Triple-A Omaha.
Heavy on Royals
Kansas City Royals news, rumors, and information.
Latest Royals News Alerts
Castro signed a minor-league contract with the Royals on Saturday and received an invitation to spring training. Castro spent the 2024 season in the Mexican Baseball League, where he slashed .320/.366/.447 across 363 plate appearances. He'll now attempt an MLB comeback after his strong season in Mexico, though there's a good chance his return to affiliated ball begins at Triple-A Omaha.
The Royals and Schreiber avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.3 million contract Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Schreiber had been arbitration-eligible for a second time. The right-handed reliever saw his strikeout rate dip to 20.5 percent in 2024 in his first year in Kansas City but remained useful with a 3.66 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. He'll be used in middle relief in 2025.
The Royals and Melendez avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.65 million contract Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Melendez regressed in 2024 with just a .674 OPS over 135 games. The Royals will start off 2025 playing him regularly at least versus right-handers, but with the playoffs in mind they might not have as much patience with Melendez if he can't take some strides.
The Royals and Hernandez avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.16 million contract Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. It was the second year of arbitration eligibility for Hernandez, who posted a 3.30 ERA and 27:16 K:BB across 30 innings in 2024. The righty has teased with his big fastball but has shown no indication to this point that he can be consistently relied upon.
The Royals and Harvey avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.7 million contract Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Harvey dealt with back problems last season which limited him to just six appearances after the Royals acquired him via trade. He enter spring training healthy and should be a key setup man if he can stay off the injured list.
The Royals and Bubic avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3 million contract Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Bubic thrived in relief in 2024 in his first full year back from Tommy John surgery, holding a 2.67 ERA and 39:5 K:BB over 30.1 frames. The lefty will be stretched out in spring training as the Royals consider him for their rotation.
Isbel agreed to a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Royals on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. Isbel will receive a $1 million raise in his first year of arbitration eligibility after slashing .229/.287/.367 with 42 RBI and 11 stolen bases across 136 games last season. While he is expected to start regularly in the outfield again in 2025, the 27-year-old's career-long lack of offensive production means he can be safely left off fantasy managers' radar.
The Royals claimed Shewmake off waivers from the White Sox on Wednesday. Shewmake had been booted from Chicago's 40-man roster but will now join Kansas City's 40-man and remain in the American League Central. The infielder is just 8-for-64 at the plate during his brief time at the major-league level but has a reputation as a solid defender. Shewmake has minor-league options remaining and will likely begin the 2025 season at Triple-A Omaha.
Unlock the latest Kansas City Royals news — direct to your inbox.
More From Heavy on Royals
-
Insider Reveals Contender for Luis Arráez Trade Before Deal With Padres
The Kansas City Royals were “in contact with” the Miami Marlins over a trade for two-time MLB batting champ Luis Arráez.
-
Royals Continue Offseason Spending Spree With Adam Frazier Signing
-
Royals’ Offseason Spending Spree Gets Patrick Mahomes’ Stamp of Approval