The Royals clear some 40-man roster spots

Kansas City bids farewell to the Taylor Hearn chapter.

• By
  
  Max Rieper
  
• on October 26, 2023 2:20 pm

The Royals have initiated the process of clearing roster spots on their 40-man roster in preparation for the upcoming offseason. During the course of this week, the team revealed that they lost pitcher Tucker Davidson to the Orioles and outfielder Bubba Thompson to the Reds through waiver claims. Additionally, pitcher Taylor Hearn cleared outright waivers and decided to explore free agency, while catcher Tyler Cropley successfully cleared waivers and accepted his assignment to Triple-A Omaha. As a result of these moves, the number of players on the Royals’ 40-man roster now stands at 36.

Davidson was acquired from the Angels on August 1 in exchange for cash considerations and made appearances in 20 games for the Royals. During this time, he recorded a 5.03 ERA with 15 strikeouts and 8 walks in 19 2⁄3 innings. Notably, the 27-year-old struggled against left-handed hitters, who boasted a .305/.409/.576 slash line against him. Additionally, Davidson experienced a decline in velocity compared to previous seasons. However, considering the Orioles’ recent success in reviving pitchers, it leaves one wondering if the Royals overlooked something valuable in Davidson.

Thompson, who was claimed off waivers from the Rangers on August 13, did not have the opportunity to make an appearance with the Royals at the major league level. The 25-year-old outfielder, known for his speed, achieved a .259/.313/.410 slash line with four home runs and 11 steals in 33 games for Triple-A Omaha. He had already taken part in 37 games with the Rangers earlier in the year, which puts him in a position to potentially earn a championship ring if they go all the way.

Hearn joined the Royals in a trade with the Braves, where they acquired him in exchange for infielder Nicky Lopez during the summer. Hearn pitched in eight games for the Royals and posted an 8.22 ERA with 8 strikeouts and 2 walks. Over the course of five years and 101 major league games, the 29-year-old left-handed pitcher has accumulated a 5.35 ERA in 237 innings. Players with more than three years of Major League service time, or those who have been previously outrighted, have the option to reject an outright assignment and pursue free agency in lieu of the assignment. Given his eligibility for arbitration, Hearn was projected to earn a salary exceeding one million dollars, making it an easy decision to outright him.

Cropley was primarily a depth player within the organization and was called up to the major league team when the Royals faced a shortage of catchers later in the year. The Iowa native made appearances in two games and had a 1-for-6 batting record, collecting his first RBI in the MLB.

Three additional roster spots will open up once Zack Greinke, Brad Keller, and Matt Duffy become free agents the day after the conclusion of the World Series. Within five days following the conclusion of the World Series, the Royals will need to activate catcher Freddy Fermin, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, and pitchers Kris Bubic, Jake Brentz, Austin Cox, Daniel Lynch IV, Josh Staumont, and Josh Taylor from the 60-day Injured List.

Read more