Kansas City Royals promote Triple-A catcher Logan Porter. He has an inspiring story
Several years ago, Logan Porter stood in the Kansas City Royals’ clubhouse dreaming of the moment he would put on a big-league jersey.
Porter remembers folding towels as a Royals “clubbie.” As a young teenager, he just relished the chance to be around the team.
There were cool moments — like watching top prospects matriculate through the Royals’ spring training complex in Surprise, Arizona. Porter, who graduated from Valley Vista High School in Surprise, also got an opportunity to be a bullpen catcher with the organization.
On Monday, Porter’s boyhood dream became reality: The Royals promoted him from Triple-A Omaha to serve as a backup catcher. In a corresponding move, KC optioned catcher Tyler Cropley (he was also designated for assignment).
“I dreamed of this my whole life,” Porter said. “To see it actually come to fruition, I can’t even put it into words.”
Porter searched for a way to describe the moment. As he looked at his No. 88 jersey, he kept coming back to one key word:
Surreal.
“The emotions are really high,” he said. “Seeing familiar faces around here makes it a lot easier for me and it’s more comforting.”
Porter, 28, has an unlikely story. He was undrafted after playing at two different Division II colleges. He also overcame multiple injuries and endured two seasons of rookie ball and a minor-league season (2020) that was canceled entirely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Porter kept grinding at each step. He played at each minor-league level and eventually began knocking at the door of the big leagues. This season, he’s hit .232 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs. In 378 minor-league games, Porter has a .863 OPS (on-base plus slugging).
“It’s inspiring and really awesome,” Royals pitcher Alec Marsh said. “I couldn’t be happier for him, as I love the guy. Love him as a teammate and a friend.”
Porter could see his first MLB action Tuesday. The Royals will play a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field — Monday’s game in Chicago was washed out by rain.
Porter said his family will be in attendance. His support system includes his wife, parents and brother. They’ve all pushed him to keep going on his journey.
Now, he will live out the dream that seemed so far away a few years ago.
“He is an awesome teammate and awesome dude,” Royals outfielder Kyle Isbel said. “He will do anything it takes for the team. Play multiple positions. He is a gamer.”
