Melendez said Tuesday that he spent the offseason in Miami revamping his swing during workouts, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Specifically, Melendez has adjusted his positioning at the plate, decreased his leg kick and demonstrated a more balanced stance in the batter's box. Melendez is hopeful that the change will simplify his movements and allow him to be more consistent at the plate, after he struck out at a 25.1 percent clip and slashed a career-worst .206/.273/.400 in 450 plate appearances a season ago. Melendez doesn't believe the adjustment will result in him sacrificing power, which was his main calling card during his minor-league career and through his first three seasons in the majors. The lefty-hitting Melendez should be poised to open the 2025 campaign as a strong-side platoon player in left field, though after catching in 10 games in 2023, he will no longer carry eligibility at catcher in any fantasy league since he didn't see any action behind the plate in 2024.

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Mervyl Melendez : Showing off revamped swing in camp

Melendez said Tuesday that he spent the offseason in Miami revamping his swing during workouts, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Specifically, Melendez has adjusted his positioning at the plate, decreased his leg kick and demonstrated a more balanced stance in the batter's box. Melendez is hopeful that the change will simplify his movements and allow him to be more consistent at the plate, after he struck out at a 25.1 percent clip and slashed a career-worst .206/.273/.400 in 450 plate appearances a season ago. Melendez doesn't believe the adjustment will result in him sacrificing power, which was his main calling card during his minor-league career and through his first three seasons in the majors. The lefty-hitting Melendez should be poised to open the 2025 campaign as a strong-side platoon player in left field, though after catching in 10 games in 2023, he will no longer carry eligibility at catcher in any fantasy league since he didn't see any action behind the plate in 2024.
Luke Maile : Inks minor-league deal with Royals

Maile agreed to a minor-league contract with the Royals on Sunday that includes an invite to big-league camp. Maile appeared in 55 games with the Reds in 2024, batting .178 with two home runs, eight RBI, eight runs scored and two stolen bases over 135 at-bats. The catcher will attend spring training with Kansas City, and he'll look to impress in order to potentially secure a spot on the Royals' 26-man roster at some point in 2025.
Cole Ragans : Agrees to three-year extension

Ragans agreed to a three-year, $13.25 million contract extension with the Royals on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. In addition to covering him for the 2025 season, Ragans' new contract also buys out his first two seasons of arbitration eligibility. The 27-year-old southpaw cemented himself as one of Kansas City's top starters last season, finishing with a 3.14 ERA and 1.14 WHIP while striking out 223 batters over 186.1 innings.
Kyle Wright : Could throw live BP next week

Wright (shoulder) could be ready to throw a live batting practice session next week, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Recovering from surgery to repair a torn capsule in his right shoulder, Wright will throw at least one more bullpen session before progressing to facing hitters. The righty hopes to be ready for Opening Day, but it will depend on how he looks and feels as he ramps things up. Wright could potentially compete for a spot in the Royals' Opening Day rotation, but he might be a long shot given how much time he's missed and the fact that he's behind others in camp with his throwing progression.
James McArthur : On mend from elbow surgery

McArthur will be delayed to begin spring training after he underwent surgery in the offseason to address an olecranon fracture in his right elbow, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. McArthur's procedure didn't address any ligament damage, but he needed to have two screws placed in his arm to help stabilize his elbow. The right-hander recently started up his throwing progression, but he'll be further behind the Royals' healthy pitchers while he ramps up. The Royals haven't yet suggested that McArthur's availability for Opening Day is in any jeopardy.
Alec Marsh : Recovering from tight shoulder

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Wednesday Marsh is recovering from right shoulder tightness that could delay when he will first face hitters, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Marsh experienced the tightness during his offseason throwing program. He has resumed throwing every day and there doesn't seem to be much concern at the moment that it could be a long-term issue, but he will be a bit behind schedule. Even a slight delay for Marsh isn't ideal, as he is competing this spring to be the Royals' fifth starter. Marsh's primary competitor for that spot is Kris Bubic.
Thomas Hatch : NRI pact with Kansas City

The Royals signed Hatch to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training. Hatch pitched for the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan this past season, posting a 3.53 ERA and 64:23 K:BB over 94.1 innings. He has experience both as a starter and reliever and it's not clear what role the Royals have planned for him, but he's likely to begin the year at Triple-A Omaha either way.
Jonathan India : To get reps in outfield

India (ankle) said Saturday that he has talked with the Royals about playing third base and left field in addition to second base, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. India has never fielded a position other than second base at the major-league level, though he served primarily as a third baseman in the minors back in 2019. Left field, on the other hand, will be a completely new experience for the 28-year-old, but he cited his athleticism as a reason to believe he'll succeed in the new role. The Royals will likely start India in left field several times during spring training, though it's unclear how often he will venture away from the keystone once the regular season begins.
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