The Royals are nearly a week into spring training games and the results are mostly positive with a 4-1-1 record to show. There has been plenty of talk about players on the 40-man roster who are competing for the final spots on the Opening Day roster. However, I want to take a look at players who are not on the 40-man roster, some of which may not contribute to the team until late-season 2025 and beyond. Their contributions to the organization are still vital with plenty to accomplish in the minor leagues before earning a promotion to the bigs. These six players have given us a glimpse into the positive impact they can have on the major league team down the line (and one may even make the Opening Day roster next month).

Three hitters who are standing out

Cavan Biggio (2B/Utility)

Spring Training stats: 3 for 7, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 0 K

Biggio was a popular name on people’s Opening Day roster predictions prior to spring training, and he has done little to change that belief. His extensive major league experience and ability to play all over the field have given him a leg-up on the less experienced competition around him. Nick Loftin is giving him a run for his money right now, as he’s gone 5 for 7 with two doubles, three RBIs, four walks, and one strikeout this spring. There’s a good chance they both make the Opening Day roster in a bench/utility role.

Jac Caglianone (1B)

Spring Training stats: 3 for 5, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0 BB, 1 K

Cags has only added to the hype so far this spring. If a 435 ft. home run at 115.4 MPH off the bat doesn’t get you excited, I’m not sure what will. The power-hitting first basemen has Royals’ fans dreaming of what it would look like to have him anchoring the middle of this Royals’ lineup. Is it possible that could be in time for October 2025? Only time will tell. I think he will end up in Northwest Arkansas to begin his first full season of professional baseball.

John Rave (CF)

Spring Training stats: 2 for 5, 1 3B, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 SB

Rave made me a believer last season after leading all Royals’ minor leaguers in hits last season (by a wide margin of 12), hitting 21 home runs, and holding a .816 OPS. He is off to a strong start in spring training but will need to really wow the staff if he wants to make the Opening Day roster in Kansas City. He is competing with Tyler Gentry, Joey Wiemer, and Nelson Velázquez for the final outfield spot(s), but all three of them are already on the 40-man roster. Rave will likely begin his season back in Omaha with hopes of earning a promotion during the season.

Three pitchers who are standing out

Andrew Hoffmann (RP)

Spring Training stats: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

Hoffmann seems to be transitioning to more of a full-time reliever role after spending the first 3.5 years of his professional career as a starter. After a full offseason of training under this presumed new role, he has taken some nice steps forward in limited action. Preston Farr noted some of those changes, including an increase in velocity and a change in the delivery and shape of his pitches. The Royals are incredibly deep as a pitching staff, but Hoffmann should provide solid depth in Omaha to start the season.

Tyson Guerrero (SP)

Spring Training stats: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Guerrero finished his 2024 campaign by pitching 20.2 innings in Omaha, to underwhelming results. However, he posted impressive numbers in Northwest Arkansas last season, holding a 3.69 ERA in 102.1 IP. There is a lot to like about Guerrero’s command, holding a career 2.62 K/BB. He has a plus slider to pair with a low-90s fastball that he continues to find success with. He will likely begin as a starter in Omaha and look to bounce back with the Storm Chasers in 2025.

Thomas Hatch (RP)

Spring Training stats: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Hatch signed a minor-league deal with the Royals on February 7^th with an invite to spring training. He had an impressive start to his major league career in 2020 when he held a 2.73 ERA in 26.1 IP. However, he holds a career 4.96 ERA in 69.0 IP and pitched in Japan for all of 2024. He is a longshot to make the Opening Day roster, but his first appearance in spring training revealed that he may have something to offer as a depth bullpen piece in Omaha. After all, the Royals have shown an ability to help their minor league relief singings find success. Does Sam Long ring a bell?

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