Why the Royals’ last roster spot could go to a new face — who KC signed 2 months ago
The Kansas City Royals appear to have filled one of their final roster spots.
On Tuesday, KC announced that Nick Loftin, Drew Waters and Joey Wiemer had been optioned to Triple-A Omaha. Additionally, Tyler Tolbert, Harold Castro, Taylor Clarke and Brian O’Keefe were assigned to minor league camp.
As a result, the Royals trimmed their roster down to 26 players. It’s expected that Royals utilityman Cavan Biggio will make the opening day roster.
He is set to join the Royals bench that includes backup catcher Freddy Fermin and outfielders Mark Canha (another new arrival) and Dairon Blanco. The Royals have not officially announced the move.
“Whenever you get a chance to be on a big-league roster, it’s very humbling,” Biggio said, pointing out he was with four different organizations in 2024. “... Now, coming into spring training and getting familiar with the staff and players and whatnot, it made me want to be a part of this team that much more just because of what we’ve got going on here.”
Biggio, 29, appeared in 16 games during Cactus League play. He hit .194 (6-for-31) with one home run and three RBIs. However, Biggio posted a .457 on-base percentage with more walks (11) than strikeouts (6).
The Royals searched for a left-handed infielder this offseason. Biggio, who is the son of MLB Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, signed as a minor-league free agent in January. He arrived in Royals camp as a non-roster invitee.
Biggio has the ability to play multiple infield positions. He can also stick in the outfield as an added bonus. The Royals will set their roster ahead of Thursday’s home opener against the Cleveland Guardians.
“I think the biggest thing for me was just to not have expectations of really anything,” Biggio said. “Not to expect anything about how this team operates and not to expect anything about what my role is going to be or if I’m going to make the team. Just trying to get after it like I did when I tried to make the team in Toronto six years ago.”
There was a competition for the final two roster spots this spring. Biggio competed with Loftin and Castro for the super utilty role. The Royals liked all three options, but Biggio is set to get the first opportunity.
“He had really good at-bats and he’s got defensive versatility,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You know, he works counts well and he handles tough pitchers well. So he’s had a very positive spring. He’s gone through a lot of work in the offseason to make some swing changes and keep more consistent contact.”
The Royals have found success with non-roster invitees in recent years. Last season, KC signed left-handed reliever Sam Long to a minor-league deal. Long impressed in spring camp and carved out a significant role in the bullpen.
It’s possible Biggio will do the same.
Biggio began his MLB career with the Toronto Blue Jays and finished fifth in the 2019 American League Rookie of the Year voting. He spent six seasons with the Blue Jays before his whirlwind 2024.
“It was my first spring training now with another team, so they didn’t know me very well,” Biggio said. “It’s exciting to build new relationships and have new first impressions.”
The Royals utilized a left-handed infielder frequently in 2024. The role belonged to MLB veteran Adam Frazier, who often drew starts in favorable matchups. Frazier signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason.
Biggio was the final piece to complete the Royals’ opening day roster. KC is hopeful to get first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino healthy ahead of Thursday’s game. If he is sidelined, Biggio has the ability to fill in at first base.
For now, he is set to join a revamped Royals bench that is built upon on-base ability and defensive versatility.
“Very excited about it, granted everything goes well,” Biggio said. “I’m looking forward to winning some ballgames.”
This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 1:24 PM.
