Royals Sign Four to Minor League Contracts

After some time without much news, the Royals announced that they’ve signed four players to minor league deals: catcher Max Ramirez, RHP Juan Gutierrez, LHP Francisley Bueno, and outfielder Greg Golson.

Ramirez, 27, has played in 45 games for the Texas Rangers, batting .217/.343/.357 in 140 plate appearances. He arrived to Texas in a time when Taylor Teagarden and Jarrod Saltalamacchia were part of what was supposed to be the future of Ranger backstops, which never occurred. Ramirez has spent most of his time at AAA, where he’s hit .262/.338/.405 for his career. He should give the Royals minor league teams depth behind the plate. His full first name is Maximiliano, so that’s fun.

Gutierrez, 28, has been a reliever in the majors with the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks, compiling a 4.79 ERA over 167.1 innings since 2007. He can strike out big numbers, but also gives up a considerable number of hits. He was released by the Diamondbacks back in mid-October. Gutierrez figures to be insurance should the Royals have injuries or poor performances in their bullpen.

Bueno, 30, pitched 2.1 innings for the Atlanta Braves back in 2008, giving up two runs on five hits. Otherwise, he’s mostly pitched at AAA outside of a nine-game stint with the Hanwha Eagles of the Korean Baseball League in 2010. Bueno has been used both as a starter and a reliever and has a 4.21 ERA in 286.1 innings at AAA. He should be a starter and spot-reliever for Omaha and used as a reliever or spot-starter for the Royals if absolutely necessary.

Golson, 26, is probably the most interesting of the group. He’s spent time in the majors with the Phillies, Rangers, and Yankees over the past four seasons, though it’s mostly been for defensive replacements. He has a line of .195/.214/.244 in 42 plate appearances over 40 games and is described as a “toolsy” guy that’s never quite gotten it all together. Golson’s hit .261/.313/.380 in AAA for his career and would make a mean outfield defense with Jarrod Dyson in Omaha. It’s a good flyer to take on a guy that’s still before his peak.

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