Royals designate Hunter Renfroe for assignment. He’s owed $7.6 million in 2025
The Kansas City Royals have parted ways with veteran slugger Hunter Renfroe.
On Friday, the club designated Renfroe for assignment. Renfroe, 33, posted a .182 batting average with four RBIs in 35 games.
In recent weeks, Renfroe saw his playing time decrease. He was regulated to sporadic starts and pinch-hit opportunities. The Royals transitioned to Drew Waters, Cavan Biggio and Mark Canha in the outfield.
“It’s difficult because we have a ton of respect for Hunter and what he has done for this game,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “He was a key part to our team last year and part of that free-agent class that kind of changed the culture.”
Renfroe signed a two-year, $13 million contract in 2024. He is currently making $7.57 million, per Spotrac, after exercising his player option this offseason.
Renfroe earned a $70,000 contract incentive for eclipsing 400 plate appearances, per reporting from MLB insider John Heyman.
The Royals now have seven days to find a trade or place Renfroe on outright or unconditional release waivers, per MLB rules. Renfroe was removed from the Royals’ 40-man roster with the transaction. If he is claimed by another team on waivers, he will join their organization.
The Royals recalled utilityman Nick Loftin in a corresponding move. Loftin joined the club ahead of a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins.
“I think this is as much about Nick Loftin and what he did in Triple-A,” Picollo said. “That gave us reason to believe that we have a replacement that may be an upgrade for our team.”
Renfroe is the latest Royals player to be designated for assignment. On Sunday, the Royals made a similar decision on right-handed reliever Chris Stratton.
KC will now roll with Waters, Biggio and Canha in right, but it’s possible another move could be on the horizon.
The Royals recently promoted top prospect Jac Caglianone to Triple-A Omaha. He hit his first homer with the club Thursday night. Caglianone dominated the Texas League in Double-A and has rare power.
In May, Caglianone made outfield starts in both left and right field. The Royals have remained patient about promoting him to the big leagues. There is still a learning curve that Caglianone must overcome facing Triple-A pitching.
However, the Royals have now created an avenue for him. Once he is deemed ready, Caglianone has a possible path to joining the roster.
The Royals could also explore another option. The trade deadline is under two months away and the club may decide to entertain that market.
It’s clear the Royals need more offensive production. The club is averaging 3.37 runs per game, which ranks 26th among MLB teams. The club has scored four runs or fewer in 42 of 51 games this season.
It’s possible Picollo decides to get a head start on the potential trade market. He was proactive in trading for Cole Ragans in 2023 and getting Lucas Erceg and Hunter Harvey in 2024.
A similar scenario could play out this season. Regardless, the Royals have created a path to add to their roster, one way or another.
Loftin will get another opportunity now. He is a solid contact hitter, hitting .295 with four homers, 24 RBIs and 12 stolen bases this season in Triple-A Omaha.
“I’m prepared as I can be,” Loftin said. “You know, that’s what I said before and that’s my role on this team. My role in this organization is to be a utility guy that plays all over the place.”
The Royals have leaned on their Triple-A roster due to multiple injuries and roster decisions. The club has promoted Loftin, Steven Cruz, Evan Sisk, Taylor Clarke and Noah Cameron in recent weeks.
This story was originally published May 23, 2025 at 11:41 AM.
