Here’s what KC Royals’ newly added players can bring to club’s postseason quest
The Kansas City Royals’ clubhouse looked a little different early Sunday afternoon.
There were three new jerseys hanging in the lockers, each representing a player acquired in a unique way.
The Royals added MLB veterans Tommy Pham, Robbie Grossman and Yuli Gurriel ahead of the waiver-claim deadline Saturday. Each is on KC’s active roster and would be eligible to play in the postseason.
They all share the same goal: Help the Royals reach the playoffs.
“I just want to bring some consistency and, you know, help this team win as bad as possible,” Pham said. “Try to get in the postseason and make a long run.”
Pham, 36, arrives from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Royals were rumored to have been interested in Pham since the trade deadline. He brings intensity and plays the game with passion.
Royals manager Matt Quatraro raved about his ability to win. Quatraro coached Pham in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.
“Tommy’s very opinionated and he is very strong-willed,” Quatraro said. “That’s part of what makes him a good player. He believes in himself and he has conviction.”
Pham was with the Arizona Diamondbacks last season. They made a World Series run before losing to the Texas Rangers.
Pham sees similarities between the Royals and D-Backs.
“I’m lucky to get this opportunity,” Pham said. “Playoff baseball is special and I think whenever guys get a taste of it, you want to go back. ... Because once you get in, as you saw last year with the D-Backs, anything can really happen. Nobody expected us to be in the World Series.
“We’ve just got to get in. And this team (the Royals) creates all kinds of problems. … We could really surprise some people, but we have to stay focused and get in.”
Pham is hitting .254 with seven home runs and 31 RBIs this season. He batted leadoff against the Astros in Sunday’s finale at Minute Maid Park.
Grossman, 34, made the short trip from Dallas to Houston to join his new club. He previously played with the Texas Rangers.
“I’m excited to be here and excited to be a part of this group,” he said. “Know (Quatraro) and I know a lot of guys over here. It’s an exciting time for this organization and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
Grossman brings another dimension to the Royals’ offense. He is a switch-hitter who thrives against left-handed pitching. He’s hitting .281 with 25 homers, three home runs and 11 RBIs this season vs. lefties.
Last season, Grossman was part of the Rangers team that won the World Series. In KC he realigns with former teammates and current Royals Will Smith, Cole Ragans and Chris Stratton.
“I’m willing to do whatever they ask of me,” Grossman said. “I’m excited to put on this Royals uniform. It’s a big-league uniform and I take pride in putting one on. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Gurriel, 40, was in the lineup Sunday as the Royals’ designated hitter. He was acquired from the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations Saturday. The Royals expect to utilize him at first base to help fill the void after Vinnie Pasquantino broke his right thumb Thursday.
Gurriel was welcomed with a pre-game tribute at Minute Maid Park. He struck out in his first at-bat.
“I am extremely happy as it’s a young group,” Gurriel said through an interpreter. “And I’m happy to be here, especially here in Houston.”
Gurriel made his regular-season debut Sunday after spending time with the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate. He hit .292 with 12 home runs and 48 RBIs with the Gwinnett Stripers.
Gurriel also has made two World Series appearances and won the 2021 batting title.
“We clearly targeted those guys so we wanted to get them,” Quatraro said. “You know, it’s guys that have been through this. The guys understand what September is about in a playoff race. Guys that are super competitive and want to win.”
The Royals concluded their four-game series against the Astros on Sunday. A crucial six-game homestand against the Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins awaits this week at Kauffman Stadium.
Both series will affect the American League Central race. The Royals were 2.5 games behind the division-leading Guardians entering Sunday’s action.
The three newest additions to the Royals’ roster are ready to contribute.
“They all came in (with the message), ‘Whatever you need, whatever we want to do to help us win, that’s what we are here to do,’” Quatraro said.
This story was originally published September 1, 2024 at 1:55 PM.
