The Kansas City Royals are looking to be competitive once again in the American League Central. With a strong core of offensive talent like Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Jac Caglianone, and Maikel Garcia, the Royals still need a couple more bats to ensure a strong lineup, as the outfield continues to be a weakspot. Salvador Perez is also still in the fold, and Kansas City has a strong core of starters as well that might be able to help alleviate pressure off the offense.
The team announced Wednesday that they have signed Brandon Drury to a minor league contract that includes an invite to the club’s upcoming spring training. Drury, now 33, had a really strong spring camp with the Chicago White Sox last season, but ended up breaking his thumb, struggling in the minors, and never seeing a big-league at bat in 2025.
Royals Sign Brandon Drury to Minor League Deal
Brandon Drury has an MLB career spanning 10 years with eight different teams. The Royals will be the ninth organization Drury has been a part of.
He was awarded a Silver Slugger award in 2022 after hitting 28 home runs in 138 games with the Reds and Padres, and put together back-to-back seasons of 25+ home runs with 26 total big flies in 2023.
However, 2024 wasn’t so kind to Drury during his time with the Angels, and that reflected in a .169 batting average in 325 at-bats and a not-so-pretty -2.0 bWAR for the season.
GettyRed Sox urged to sign Brandon Drury.
Here is what MLBTradeRumors.com had to say about where Brandon Drury can play on the field:
“A bat-first utility player, Drury has extensive experience at all four corner positions and second base, though he hasnât been considered a strong defender at any of those five spots. Thatâs not likely to change as he progresses into his mid-30s, but thereâs still some value in even being a below-average option at multiple spots in the diamond if his bat can get back on track.”
Brandon Drury Must Perform in Spring Training
Brandon Drury will likely end up spending the beginning of the 2026 season in the minors, considering he struggled down on the farm last season, but his roster spot also isn’t very safe either, so Drury must put together a quality spring to show the Royals and other MLB teams that he can still play.
He has 109 career home runs, with a slash line of .296/.421/.717 in his 10-year career.Â
The bright side for Drury is this Royals’ outfield is rather weak at the moment.
The projected starters include Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas, and Caglianone.
It’s important to note also that the Royals’ home stadium has undergone renovations this offseason, which include moving the outfield walls inward a bit.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Royals Add Offensive Help By Signing Former Silver Silver Outfielder appeared first on Heavy Sports.