As Opening Day looms just over two weeks away, the Kansas City Royals are in the thick of trimming down their roster. Nine players have been released from the major league spring training camp, destined for the minors as they kick off the 2025 season. As it stands on March 9, the Royals have 59 players remaining in camp—expect more updates as further roster decisions are made.

In the first wave of roster cuts on March 3, eight players were reassigned to the minor league camp. Among them were pitchers Ben Kudrna, Chandler Champlain, Tyson Guerrero, Steven Zobac, and Beck Way, alongside catchers Blake Mitchell, Kale Emshoff, and Omar Hernández. While it’s always tough to see young talent step back from the big leagues, each player has a promising future.

Blake Mitchell, despite being ranked No. 2 on MLB Pipeline’s list of Royals’ top 30 prospects, was sidelined due to a broken right hamate bone sustained on February 22. With a major league debut not anticipated until 2027, this move isn’t a shocker. The path is still bright with potential for Mitchell, once he’s healed and ready for the challenge.

As for right-handers Chandler Champlain and Tyson Guerrero, these promising arms are expected to make their MLB debuts this season. But making the Opening Day roster was a tall order. Nevertheless, their skills are likely to earn them a summons for relief roles at some point during the year, a testament to their burgeoning talent.

Reflecting the reshuffle, the Royals’ roster downsized to 60 in big league camp after these changes.

Another key roster update came on March 8 with Javier Vaz, who was initially slated to start at second base against the Los Angeles Angels. However, just two hours before game time, he was unexpectedly scratched from the lineup. The setback became clearer when it was revealed that Vaz suffered fractures in two fingers on his right hand while fielding, necessitating a stint in the minors for rehab.

Vaz, ranked No. 13 among the Royals’ top 30 prospects by MLB Pipeline, remains a player to watch, with expectations for him to break into the majors this season. For now, though, his reassignment leaves the Royals’ camp with a trimmed roster of 59 players. As these young athletes gain experience and return stronger, Royals fans have plenty to look forward to as the new season approaches.