KC Royals Farm Futures: International prospects signed

After a busy week of international prospects signings, the KC Royals have an additional 12 players on minor league deals.

In addition to the much-heralded signing of Daniel Vazquez, the KC Royals added Darnel Collins, currently penciled in as a first baseman. Collins’ brother, Daryl, has already made a good impression in the States.

Another shortstop to go along with Vazquez is Yosmi Fernandez from the Dominican Republic. He is a switch hitter who is talented but is a little undersized at this point.

Other players joining the squad include Steven Cespedes, a 17-year-old catcher listed at 5-feet-9 and 170 pounds who bats left and throws right. Sebastian Ramirez is a top prospect out of Venezuela who hits lefthanded and plays in the outfield.

Here is a full list of signees from the Royals Twitter account:

The old is new again

The KC Royals are hoping to resuscitate the career of Ervin Santana.  We go into detail here, but essentially after two disastrous seasons in ’18 and ’19 and no Major League Baseball appearances in ’20, the team hopes that his performance in the Winter Leagues shows he has something left in the tank.

Also back on a minor league deal is Wade Davis. He, too, will be trying to revive his glory days back in a Kansas City uniform after recent struggles.

These two signings in the last couple of weeks classify as minor league transactions due to the contract. However, the actual chance of seeing these guys in the minor league system is unlikely.  If they do not make the big league team out of spring training they will probably be released or choose to become free agents.

Coaching realignment

Damon Hollins, who coached first base last year, is returning to his previous role of a minor league instructor. The exciting news is that fan favorite Rusty Kuntz will once again be on the field working with runners who reach first base. It will be good to see him at the games again in 2021.

As spring training inches closer and closer, there will be plenty of minor league updates to bring you. We look forward to bringing you the latest news from down on the farm.