Kansas City Royals News

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez found the best way to celebrate the team's annual FanFest on Friday -- by becoming a United States citizen.Perez, already a fan favorite and six-time All-Star who was selected World Series MVP when the Royals beat the Mets in five games in 2015, took the oath of citizenship at a jam-packed Bartle Hall in Kansas City during the team's annual event.For the Venezuela native, completing the long process to become a U.S. citizen might have been the most difficult -- and rewarding -- challenge of his life."You know what? I would rather be in the World Series, bases loaded, two outs, 3-2 and hitting than do that thing again," Perez told the adoring crowd. "I was shaking. My eyes were super big. I felt like I needed to drink water every second. But it was fun, after."Perez, who missed last season after having Tommy John surgery in March, finished the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen when he stood on the main stage among guests who included Royals teammates, members of the front office and clubhouse staff, and manager Mike Matheny and Royals chairman John Sherman.Chief U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips presided over the ceremony. With his citizenship, Perez will be able to help members of his family get green cards and permit his wife to visit her father in Venezuela."It means a lot to him," Royals left fielder Alex Gordon said before the ceremony, via KansasCity.com. "I just saw him a couple minutes ago and just congratulated him on it. It almost looked like he teared up, so it means a lot to him. I'm happy for him and his family. I know this is a special day for him."His five-year quest to earn citizenship included intense studying for his citizenship test and learning from tapes while driving his car around his offseason home of Miami.

The Kansas City Royals declined their 2020 option on Alex Gordon, but it wasn't a goodbye. Instead, the team agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the veteran outfielder on Wednesday.Gordon, who turns 36 on Feb. 10, seemed destined to return to Kansas City even after his $23 million mutual option for the upcoming season was declined. He will come back for his 14th season, all with the Royals.He is a career .258 hitter with 186 home runs and 738 RBIs and will provide a veteran presence for a young Royals roster.

Former Kansas City Royals owner David Glass died last week at the age of 84, the team confirmed Friday.Glass, who bought the Royals for $96 million in April 2000, died on Jan. 9 from complications of pneumonia, according to his family.In a statement released on Twitter, new owner John Sherman, a local businessman who bought the team from the Glass family in November, said, "Like so many Kansas Citians, I am deeply saddened by the news of David's passing. His voice among other owners was so respected; he served on and led several Major League Baseball committees to better our game. His passion for baseball and love for Kansas City was the driving force in bringing success on the field for this franchise."Royals general manager Dayton Moore said in the statement: "Mr. Glass loved this game, this team, and our city with all his heart. He cared deeply for our fans and for the future of baseball. But above all, Mr. Glass placed an emphasis on putting family first which is what he stressed to our entire organization. We are forever grateful for his humble and supportive leadership, and we are beyond blessed that we were a part of his incredible life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his very special family."Under the ownership of Glass, who was the president and CEO of Wal-Mart from 1988-2000, the Royals reached the World Series in 2014 and 2015. After losing a seven-game series to the San Francisco Giants in 2014, they became world champions the following year by defeating the New York Mets in five games.Before becoming owner of the Royals, Glass served the previous 6 1/2 years as CEO and chairman of the team following the death of founding owner Ewing Kauffman, for whom the Royals' home stadium is still named.In November, Glass sold the Royals to Sherman, a former part-owner and chairman of the Cleveland Indians, and his group for close to $1 billion."On behalf of Major League Baseball, I thank David Glass for his successful stewardship of the Royals' franchise dating back to 1993, including 20 years as owner," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement after the sale was approved. " The Glass family's passion for the Royals culminated in Kansas City's 2015 World Championship, demonstrating its strength as a baseball town."

The Kansas City Royals officially signed third baseman Maikel Franco to a one-year, $2.95 million deal on Friday.The deal reportedly includes $1.05 million in incentives.Hunter Dozier started 99 games at third base for the Royals but is expected to play right field this season. Dozier batted .279 with 26 homers and 84 RBIs last season.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. The Royals are hoping he can rediscover the form that allowed him to top 20 homers in each of the previous three seasons.

The Kansas City Royals and free-agent third baseman Maikel Franco reportedly agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday.The contract is for $2.95 million with $1.05 million in incentives, according to MLB.com reporter Jesse Sanchez.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.

Former All-Star closer Trevor Rosenthal signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals, multiple outlets reported Saturday.The right-handed Rosenthal reportedly agreed to a $2 million base salary with another $2.25 million attainable through performance bonuses.Signing with the Royals reunites Rosenthal with new Kansas City manager Mike Matheny. Rosenthal played under Matheny for six seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals.Rosenthal, 29, was an All-Star in 2015 under Matheny and saved 93 games over a two-season span (2014-15) with the Cardinals before ineffectiveness and Tommy John surgery derailed his career.He missed the 2018 season due to the surgery and signed with the Washington Nationals last offseason.Rosenthal was roughed up regularly for the Nationals, allowing 16 runs in just six 6 1/3 innings over 12 appearances. He walked 15 and struck out just five.

Major League Baseball owners on Thursday unanimously approved the sale of the Kansas City Royals to a group led by John Sherman, the former part-owner and chairman of the Cleveland Indians.Former Royals owner and CEO David Glass reportedly is selling the Royals to Sherman and his group for close to $1 billion."On behalf of Major League Baseball, I thank David Glass for his successful stewardship of the Royals' franchise dating back to 1993, including 20 years as owner," commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. " The Glass family's passion for the Royals culminated in Kansas City's 2015 World Championship, demonstrating its strength as a baseball town."Glass, 84, bought the team for $96 million in April 2000. He had served the previous 6 1/2 years as CEO and chairman of the team following the death of founding owner Ewing Kauffman, for whom the Royals' home stadium is still named.Sherman, 64, had to divest himself of ownership of the Indians to make the transaction happen. He is the CEO of Kansas City-based MLP Holdings and is on the board of trustees for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

The Kansas City Royals declined their half of a mutual option with Alex Gordon on Friday, making the veteran outfielder a free agent.Gordon had already exercised his side of the option. He now will be paid a $4 million contract buyout instead of the $23 million he would have received if the Royals brought him back for the 2020 season on his existing contract terms.Gordon, 35, batted .266 with 13 home runs and 76 RBIs for the Royals this past season. The three-time All-Star was an integral part of Kansas City's 2015 World Series championship team.

Mike Matheny, who guided the St. Louis Cardinals to the 2013 World Series, was hired Thursday as the manager of the Kansas City Royals.The 49-year-old most recently worked as the Royals' special adviser for player development."Our entire organization is delighted to announce and celebrate the hiring of Mike Matheny," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said in a statement. "Every department has had the pleasure to work and interact with him this past season. Through this interaction, it became very clear to our leadership team that Mike is the obvious person to lead our baseball team. Mike Matheny is a passionate leader with strong virtues, intelligence, and a relentless commitment to help players reach their full potential."He becomes the 17th manager in franchise history, succeeding Ned Yost, who retired at the end of the 2019 season.Matheny succeeded Tony LaRussa as Cardinals manager before the 2012 season and was fired midway through the 2018 campaign. In his tenure, the Cardinals reached the National League playoffs in four consecutive seasons. They lost to the Boston Red Sox in six games in the 2013 World Series.

Brett Phillips' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth led the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 win over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday in manager Ned Yost's final game. It was Phillips' first career walk-off RBI.Humberto Arteaga led off the ninth with a double down the left field line. Nick Dini blooped a hit into short right, sending Arteaga to third, and setting up Phillips' heroics.The Royals said before the game that they wanted to win this one especially for Yost, and they got their wish in come-from-behind fashion.With the Royals trailing 4-3, Hunter Dozier led off the eighth with his 10th triple of the season. He joins teammates Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi for the American League lead in triples. It marks the first time since 1984 (Houston Astros) that a team has had three players with at least 10 triples.Dozier then scored on Ryan O'Hearn's double to tie the score.Ian Kennedy (3-2) pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the win.Brusdar Graterol (1-1) was the losing pitcher.Even with the loss, the Twins had 55 road wins, tying the 1971 Oakland A's for the third most in major league history.The Twins jumped on Royals starter Jorge Lopez with three runs in the first inning. C.J. Cron hit a two-run, two-out home run, scoring Miguel Sano. Jake Cave followed with a solo home run, the 12th time this season the Twins have recorded back-to-back home runs.

Brett Phillips' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth led the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 win over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday in manager Ned Yost's final game. It was Phillips' first career walk-off RBI.Humberto Arteaga led off the ninth with a double down the left field line. Nick Dini blooped a hit into short right, sending Arteaga to third, and setting up Phillips' heroics.The Royals said before the game that they wanted to win this one especially for Yost, and they got their wish in come-from-behind fashion.With the Royals trailing 4-3, Hunter Dozier led off the eighth with his 10th triple of the season. He joins teammates Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi for the American League lead in triples. It marks the first time since 1984 (Houston Astros) that a team has had three players with at least 10 triples.Dozier then scored on Ryan O'Hearn's double to tie the score.Ian Kennedy (3-2) pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the win.Brusdar Graterol (1-1) was the losing pitcher.Even with the loss, the Twins had 55 road wins, tying the 1971 Oakland A's for the third most in major league history.The Twins jumped on Royals starter Jorge Lopez with three runs in the first inning. C.J. Cron hit a two-run, two-out home run, scoring Miguel Sano. Jake Cave followed with a solo home run, the 12th time this season the Twins have recorded back-to-back home runs.

Brett Phillips' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth led the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 win over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday in manager Ned Yost's final game. It was Phillips' first career walk-off RBI.Humberto Arteaga led off the ninth with a double down the left field line. Nick Dini blooped a hit into short right, sending Arteaga to third, and setting up Phillips' heroics.The Royals said before the game that they wanted to win this one especially for Yost, and they got their wish in come-from-behind fashion.With the Royals trailing 4-3, Hunter Dozier led off the eighth with his 10th triple of the season. He joins teammates Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi for the American League lead in triples. It marks the first time since 1984 (Houston Astros) that a team has had three players with at least 10 triples.Dozier then scored on Ryan O'Hearn's double to tie the score.Ian Kennedy (3-2) pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the win.Brusdar Graterol (1-1) was the losing pitcher.Even with the loss, the Twins had 55 road wins, tying the 1971 Oakland A's for the third most in major league history.The Twins jumped on Royals starter Jorge Lopez with three runs in the first inning. C.J. Cron hit a two-run, two-out home run, scoring Miguel Sano. Jake Cave followed with a solo home run, the 12th time this season the Twins have recorded back-to-back home runs.

Brett Phillips' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth led the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 win over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday in manager Ned Yost's final game. It was Phillips' first career walk-off RBI.Humberto Arteaga led off the ninth with a double down the left field line. Nick Dini blooped a hit into short right, sending Arteaga to third, and setting up Phillips' heroics.The Royals said before the game that they wanted to win this one especially for Yost, and they got their wish in come-from-behind fashion.With the Royals trailing 4-3, Hunter Dozier led off the eighth with his 10th triple of the season. He joins teammates Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi for the American League lead in triples. It marks the first time since 1984 (Houston Astros) that a team has had three players with at least 10 triples.Dozier then scored on Ryan O'Hearn's double to tie the score.Ian Kennedy (3-2) pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the win.Brusdar Graterol (1-1) was the losing pitcher.Even with the loss, the Twins had 55 road wins, tying the 1971 Oakland A's for the third most in major league history.The Twins jumped on Royals starter Jorge Lopez with three runs in the first inning. C.J. Cron hit a two-run, two-out home run, scoring Miguel Sano. Jake Cave followed with a solo home run, the 12th time this season the Twins have recorded back-to-back home runs.

Brett Phillips' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth led the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 win over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday in manager Ned Yost's final game. It was Phillips' first career walk-off RBI.Humberto Arteaga led off the ninth with a double down the left field line. Nick Dini blooped a hit into short right, sending Arteaga to third, and setting up Phillips' heroics.The Royals said before the game that they wanted to win this one especially for Yost, and they got their wish in come-from-behind fashion.With the Royals trailing 4-3, Hunter Dozier led off the eighth with his 10th triple of the season. He joins teammates Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi for the American League lead in triples. It marks the first time since 1984 (Houston Astros) that a team has had three players with at least 10 triples.Dozier then scored on Ryan O'Hearn's double to tie the score.Ian Kennedy (3-2) pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the win.Brusdar Graterol (1-1) was the losing pitcher.Even with the loss, the Twins had 55 road wins, tying the 1971 Oakland A's for the third most in major league history.The Twins jumped on Royals starter Jorge Lopez with three runs in the first inning. C.J. Cron hit a two-run, two-out home run, scoring Miguel Sano. Jake Cave followed with a solo home run, the 12th time this season the Twins have recorded back-to-back home runs.

Brett Phillips' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth led the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 win over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday in manager Ned Yost's final game. It was Phillips' first career walk-off RBI.Humberto Arteaga led off the ninth with a double down the left field line. Nick Dini blooped a hit into short right, sending Arteaga to third, and setting up Phillips' heroics.The Royals said before the game that they wanted to win this one especially for Yost, and they got their wish in come-from-behind fashion.With the Royals trailing 4-3, Hunter Dozier led off the eighth with his 10th triple of the season. He joins teammates Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi for the American League lead in triples. It marks the first time since 1984 (Houston Astros) that a team has had three players with at least 10 triples.Dozier then scored on Ryan O'Hearn's double to tie the score.Ian Kennedy (3-2) pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the win.Brusdar Graterol (1-1) was the losing pitcher.Even with the loss, the Twins had 55 road wins, tying the 1971 Oakland A's for the third most in major league history.The Twins jumped on Royals starter Jorge Lopez with three runs in the first inning. C.J. Cron hit a two-run, two-out home run, scoring Miguel Sano. Jake Cave followed with a solo home run, the 12th time this season the Twins have recorded back-to-back home runs.

Brett Phillips' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth led the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 win over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday in manager Ned Yost's final game. It was Phillips' first career walk-off RBI.Humberto Arteaga led off the ninth with a double down the left field line. Nick Dini blooped a hit into short right, sending Arteaga to third, and setting up Phillips' heroics.The Royals said before the game that they wanted to win this one especially for Yost, and they got their wish in come-from-behind fashion.With the Royals trailing 4-3, Hunter Dozier led off the eighth with his 10th triple of the season. He joins teammates Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi for the American League lead in triples. It marks the first time since 1984 (Houston Astros) that a team has had three players with at least 10 triples.Dozier then scored on Ryan O'Hearn's double to tie the score.Ian Kennedy (3-2) pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the win.Brusdar Graterol (1-1) was the losing pitcher.Even with the loss, the Twins had 55 road wins, tying the 1971 Oakland A's for the third most in major league history.The Twins jumped on Royals starter Jorge Lopez with three runs in the first inning. C.J. Cron hit a two-run, two-out home run, scoring Miguel Sano. Jake Cave followed with a solo home run, the 12th time this season the Twins have recorded back-to-back home runs.

Brett Phillips' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth led the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 win over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday in manager Ned Yost's final game. It was Phillips' first career walk-off RBI.Humberto Arteaga led off the ninth with a double down the left field line. Nick Dini blooped a hit into short right, sending Arteaga to third, and setting up Phillips' heroics.The Royals said before the game that they wanted to win this one especially for Yost, and they got their wish in come-from-behind fashion.With the Royals trailing 4-3, Hunter Dozier led off the eighth with his 10th triple of the season. He joins teammates Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi for the American League lead in triples. It marks the first time since 1984 (Houston Astros) that a team has had three players with at least 10 triples.Dozier then scored on Ryan O'Hearn's double to tie the score.Ian Kennedy (3-2) pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the win.Brusdar Graterol (1-1) was the losing pitcher.Even with the loss, the Twins had 55 road wins, tying the 1971 Oakland A's for the third most in major league history.The Twins jumped on Royals starter Jorge Lopez with three runs in the first inning. C.J. Cron hit a two-run, two-out home run, scoring Miguel Sano. Jake Cave followed with a solo home run, the 12th time this season the Twins have recorded back-to-back home runs.

Brett Phillips' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth led the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 win over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday in manager Ned Yost's final game. It was Phillips' first career walk-off RBI.Humberto Arteaga led off the ninth with a double down the left field line. Nick Dini blooped a hit into short right, sending Arteaga to third, and setting up Phillips' heroics.The Royals said before the game that they wanted to win this one especially for Yost, and they got their wish in come-from-behind fashion.With the Royals trailing 4-3, Hunter Dozier led off the eighth with his 10th triple of the season. He joins teammates Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi for the American League lead in triples. It marks the first time since 1984 (Houston Astros) that a team has had three players with at least 10 triples.Dozier then scored on Ryan O'Hearn's double to tie the score.Ian Kennedy (3-2) pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the win.Brusdar Graterol (1-1) was the losing pitcher.Even with the loss, the Twins had 55 road wins, tying the 1971 Oakland A's for the third most in major league history.The Twins jumped on Royals starter Jorge Lopez with three runs in the first inning. C.J. Cron hit a two-run, two-out home run, scoring Miguel Sano. Jake Cave followed with a solo home run, the 12th time this season the Twins have recorded back-to-back home runs.

Brett Phillips' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth led the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 win over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday in manager Ned Yost's final game. It was Phillips' first career walk-off RBI.Humberto Arteaga led off the ninth with a double down the left field line. Nick Dini blooped a hit into short right, sending Arteaga to third, and setting up Phillips' heroics.The Royals said before the game that they wanted to win this one especially for Yost, and they got their wish in come-from-behind fashion.With the Royals trailing 4-3, Hunter Dozier led off the eighth with his 10th triple of the season. He joins teammates Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi for the American League lead in triples. It marks the first time since 1984 (Houston Astros) that a team has had three players with at least 10 triples.Dozier then scored on Ryan O'Hearn's double to tie the score.Ian Kennedy (3-2) pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the win.Brusdar Graterol (1-1) was the losing pitcher.Even with the loss, the Twins had 55 road wins, tying the 1971 Oakland A's for the third most in major league history.The Twins jumped on Royals starter Jorge Lopez with three runs in the first inning. C.J. Cron hit a two-run, two-out home run, scoring Miguel Sano. Jake Cave followed with a solo home run, the 12th time this season the Twins have recorded back-to-back home runs.

Brett Phillips' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth led the Kansas City Royals to a 5-4 win over the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday in manager Ned Yost's final game. It was Phillips' first career walk-off RBI.Humberto Arteaga led off the ninth with a double down the left field line. Nick Dini blooped a hit into short right, sending Arteaga to third, and setting up Phillips' heroics.The Royals said before the game that they wanted to win this one especially for Yost, and they got their wish in come-from-behind fashion.With the Royals trailing 4-3, Hunter Dozier led off the eighth with his 10th triple of the season. He joins teammates Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi for the American League lead in triples. It marks the first time since 1984 (Houston Astros) that a team has had three players with at least 10 triples.Dozier then scored on Ryan O'Hearn's double to tie the score.Ian Kennedy (3-2) pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the win.Brusdar Graterol (1-1) was the losing pitcher.Even with the loss, the Twins had 55 road wins, tying the 1971 Oakland A's for the third most in major league history.The Twins jumped on Royals starter Jorge Lopez with three runs in the first inning. C.J. Cron hit a two-run, two-out home run, scoring Miguel Sano. Jake Cave followed with a solo home run, the 12th time this season the Twins have recorded back-to-back home runs.