The Kansas Metropolis Royals have been rotting in mediocrity since they gained the 2015 World Collection.
That’s really one of many nicest methods to place it, as a result of they’ve been one of many worst groups in baseball since then.
Nonetheless, with a brand new normal supervisor in J.J. Picollo and an surprising spending spree by possession, the Royals have gone from dreadful to, hopefully, respectable.
To the myriad of additives they’ve made within the offseason, they’ve added a brand new one: catcher Austin Nola.
They welcomed him by way of their official Twitter account and reported that he has been signed to a serious league deal.
To make room for him on the roster, they’re sending pitcher Kris Bubic to the 60-day injured record.
Welcome to Kansas Metropolis, Austin! https://t.co/rM7ovKXT8g pic.twitter.com/idvp2MhTeG
The brother of Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola, Austin is an skilled catcher who didn’t have an excellent 2023.
Enjoying for the San Diego Padres, he hit a meager .146/.260/.192 with a .452 OPS in 52 video games.
Nonetheless, he’s a profession .696 OPS hitter who has some offensive upside when he’s at his finest.
Whether or not or not he stays on the roster for almost all of the yr will rely on his personal efficiency and the way the group deploys its catching depth, one that features Salvador Perez, Freddy Fermin, and probably MJ Melendez, though the latter will doubtless be an outfielder.
Nola, having performed for the Padres, may be very aware of two of the Royals’ newcomers: Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha.
Kansas Metropolis additionally introduced in Hunter Renfroe, Adam Frazier, Garrett Hampson, Chris Stratton, Will Smith, John Schreiber, and Nick Anderson.
It may very well be a enjoyable yr in Kansas Metropolis.