Spring training is fast approaching and we’re now less than 50 days until pitchers and catchers report. On Wednesday, the Kansas City Royals announced a list of 23 non-roster invitees who will be with the team in Surprise this spring. Among them are ten pitchers, five catchers, five infielders, and three outfielders. You can see the entire list below.
A brief look at the Royals 2024 non-roster invitees
Dan Altavilla, Sam Long, Tyler Duffey, and Luis Cessa were offseason signings, added on minor league contracts. Other in-house names, such as Chandler Champlain and Mason Barnett shouldn’t come as a surprise. Champlain, who joined the organization in the Andrew Benintendi trade, was dominant to close out last season for Northwest Arkansas. He pitched to a 3.82 ERA over 73.0 innings for the Naturals. Perhaps his best start of the season came back on July 27 when he took a perfect game into the sixth inning. He would finish his day with six full innings pitched and no hits allowed.
Mason Barnett was the team’s Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year Award Winner last season. After an impressive start at High-A Quad Cities, he was promoted to Northwest Arkansas and looked even better. Over 32.2 IP for the Naturals last season, Barnett struck out 43 hitters with a 3.05 FIP.
Austin Cox is a somewhat surprising name on the list as he works back from an ACL tear back in September. Other notable names to watch in spring include Tyler Tolbert — last year’s George Brett Hitter of the Year — and John Rave. Both players have substantial time in center field and could factor in next season if Kyle Isbel struggles. The team has some depth in center behind him in Drew Waters, Dairon Blanco, and Garrett Hampson but both minor leaguers are hoping to make some noise in Surprise.
A local product, Carter Jensen, will be making the trip to Surprise as a non-roster invite. The Park Hill native was selected by the organization in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He’s quickly shown off impressive plate discipline throughout his minor league career, evidenced by his 18.5% walk rate last season. At just 20 years old, he’s got some ways to go before his major league debut but could start next season as high as Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
Some notable missing names to the non-roster list include second basemen Peyton Wilson and Javier Vaz. Wilson made the trip to this year’s Arizona Fall League and should debut with Omaha in 2024. First baseman Dillan Shrum had a strong second half last season for Northwest Arkansas. The Royals have somewhat limited first base depth behind Vinnie Pasquantino and Nick Pratto. Pitchers Andrew Hoffmann, Noah Cameron, and Jonah Dipoto all had their own cases to be invited but weren’t listed.
Spring Training games kick off on February 24.