Pitcher Jose Cuas returns to the Royals after nearly two years away from majors

Seven hundred and one days.

That’s how long it’s been since Royals reliever Jose Cuas last stepped on an MLB field.

For most players, nearly two years away from the majors would signal the end of the road. For Cuas, it became the latest chapter in a miraculous journey.

Long before he returned to Kansas City this week, Cuas had already reinvented himself once — converting from an infielder to a pitcher after the Milwaukee Brewers drafted him in 2015, enduring multiple releases and even delivering packages for FedEx after baseball shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic before earning his MLB debut with the Royals in 2022.

His latest climb proved just as difficult.

After the Royals traded him to the Chicago Cubs in July 2023 for outfielder Nelson Velázquez, Cuas spent the next two seasons bouncing between the minor-league affiliates of the Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, and Atlanta Braves, but he never made it back to the majors.

Kansas City, the organization that took a chance on him five years ago, offered another opportunity in December, signing the right-hander to a minor-league contract.

Cuas responded by posting a 3.31 ERA with 33 strikeouts over 32 2/3 innings with the Omaha Storm Chasers, earning the call he spent nearly two years chasing.

Though it’s been nearly three years since he suited up in Kansas City, it still feels like home.

“I’m comfortable with the staff, comfortable with the players here, comfortable with the stadium and comfortable with the fan base,” Cuas said. “This organization has a special place in my heart. It’s the team that gave me a chance to debut. So Kansas City will always be a home for me.”

Cuas says he remembers connecting with Royals fans and the community, speaking to the youth and, of course, the world-famous barbecue from his first stint in KC.

During his time away from the major-league mound, Cuas had the opportunity to learn a lot about who he is.

“One thing I’ve learned is I’m resilient. … I don’t give up,” Cuas said. “I believe in myself more than anyone can. Over the past year and a half, I’ve dealt with struggles on the field, and I’ve learned more about myself and what I can actually do. When I put my mind to something, I get better.”

Cuas’ main focus on the mound was improving his delivery to better manipulate batters. He notably worked on improving his quick pitch, hesitation pitch and sweeper.

“I worked on a few things in my delivery, something you guys will get for the first time out here today,” Cuas said. “The quick pitch and the hesi is something I’m excited for. It’s something that’s allowed me to have success this year, and build up my confidence to allow me to believe in myself.”

Cuas believes those adjustments have him better prepared for another opportunity in the majors. The timing couldn’t be better for the Royals, whose bullpen has been stretched thin by injuries and inconsistency.

Kansas City posted a 5.60 ERA in June — the third-worst mark in baseball — and has allowed an average of 10.2 runs over its last five games, making experienced relief help a welcome addition.

“I’m looking to help the team any way I can,” Cuas said. “Obviously, I want to go out there and have success. I think that if I succeed, I will put the team in a good position to succeed. That’s what I’m going after.”