Kansas City acquires two seasoned outfielders, both of whom are eligible to participate in the playoffs if the Royals make it.
One day after losing first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino to a fractured thumb, the Kansas City Royals claimed veteran outfielders Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman from waivers, the team confirmed. Pham comes from the St. Louis Cardinals, while Grossman is from the Texas Rangers. The Royals also acquired first baseman Yuli Gurriel from the Atlanta Braves for cash, according to the New York Post.
Because the additions occur before the September 1 roster deadline, all three players will be able to play in the postseason if the Royals qualify. With Pasquantino’s injury and Hunter Renfroe’s recent hamstring ailment, the Royals needed lineup help.
The 40-year-old Gurriel spent the entire season in Triple-A with the Braves. He was eligible for trade because he is on a minor-league contract and has not appeared on the MLB 40-man roster or injured list this season. Gurriel batted.292/.378/.485, including 12 home runs in 75 Triple-A games. He’ll help replace Pasquantino at first base.
The Cardinals acquired Pham, 36, from the Chicago White Sox prior to the July 30 trade deadline. However, the Cardinals failed to move up the rankings after the deadline, resulting in Pham being placed on waivers and ultimately designated for assignment. Pham had stated a desire to play for a contender down the line, and the Royals will provide that opportunity.
This season, Pham, a right-handed batter, has slashed.In 93 games for the White Sox and Cardinals, he batted 254/.321/.378 and hit six home runs. He is owed the remainder of a $3.5 million salary for 2024 and is eligible for free agency this offseason.
Grossman, a 34-year-old switch hitter, is now hitting.In 71 games with the White Sox and Rangers, he batted 227/.333/.324 and hit three home runs. In late May, the Rangers acquired him from Chicago.
The Royals have a 75-61 record heading into Saturday’s games. They trail the first-place Cleveland Guardians by 2 1/2 games in the American League Central, but they are in the AL’s second wild-card spot. If the Royals can hang on, they will make their first postseason berth since winning the World Series in 2015.
