Kansas City Royals Sign Rafael Furcal to Minor League Deal

With the news that Omar Infante will potentially have surgery on his elbow after the season, it would make sense that the Kansas City Royals would be looking for depth in the middle of the infield. Christian Colon showed promise during his brief stint int he majors last season, and non-roster invitee Ryan Roberts has been a serviceable utility player during his career, but teams can always use more depth. That is especially the case when it seems highly likely that the starter will require time on the disabled list at some point, as may well be the case with Infante.

With that in mind, it is not a surprise that the Kansas City Royals brought in another middle infielder on a minor league contract. What may be surprising is that the Royals signed Rafael Furcal to be that player. According to Andy McCollough of the Kansas City Star, Furcal is presently rehabbing on the minor league side, and is not going to be in the major league camp.

Furcal is another reclamation project for the Royals. Since his All-Star season in 2012, Furcal has played in a total of nine games, all last season. A player that has historically battled injury, Furcal has played in over 100 games only twice since 2007 and tore his hamstring during the offseason this year. Obviously, he is not the type of player that one expects to have in the lineup every day.

More from KC Royals News

• KC Royals Rumors: Is a monster move in the cards?
• KC Royals Free Agent Hunt: 3 Tampa Bay pitchers
• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: The $25 million man
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Expectations met
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 3 update

However, as a minor league reclamation project or a potential bench player, Rafael Furcal certainly makes sense. While he may not be that same speedster with a bit of pop any longer, Furcal is still a steady veteran presence who has been through numerous playoff battles. A career .281/.346/.402 hitter, Furcal brings a much needed dose of patience at the plate, and if he proves to have anything left, he may be able to give the Kansas City Royals yet another element of speed as well.

Furcal, while originally a shortstop, can play second as well. In fact, he was signed by the Marlins to compete for their opening at second. Instead, after coming back from Tommy John surgery, Furcal lasted eight games before being sidelined with further hamstring issues.

The odds that Rafael Furcal can really provide much for the Kansas City Royals appear to be minimal at best. However, on a minor league contract, Furcal is the type of lottery ticket that could have an excellent payout.

Next: Kansas City Royals Top Five Relief Pitchers