3 players you completely forgot played for the KC Royals in 2023

INF Hunter Dozier

Hunter Dozier's journey with the Royals came to a close in 2023, wrapping up a decade-long chapter filled with both promise and disappointment. Drafted eighth overall in the 2013 MLB Draft, Dozier quickly emerged as a key player in the Royals' plans. His peak came in 2019, when he delivered a stellar season, batting .279 with 26 home runs and 84 RBIs. That breakout performance earned him a four-year, $25 million contract in 2021, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the Royals' future.

However, there was a sharp decline after the highs of 2019. Injuries, including a troublesome thumb injury in 2021, chipped away at Dozier's consistency and power. As his batting average fell and his home run numbers dwindled, the Royals were left with a player who was struggling to live up to his potential. By 2023, Dozier's performance had plummeted to a .183 batting average, with just two home runs and nine RBIs in 29 games—far from the expectations set by his earlier success.

Faced with a difficult decision, the Royals designated Dozier for assignment in May 2023. With a focus on younger talent and a desire to clear roster space for emerging players, the Royals parted ways with a player who was once seen as a key part of their future. Dozier's declining defensive metrics and ongoing struggles at the plate made it clear that a new direction was necessary.

Dozier's release was bittersweet, marking the end of a long-standing relationship between player and organization. For the Royals, it was a necessary step in their pursuit of a younger, more dynamic roster. For Dozier, it was the end of a chapter that had once held so much promise. For fans, it was the long-awaited end of watching Dozier be another Royals disappointment.

Dozier did land with the Los Angeles Angels in spring training, starting 2024 with their Triple-A affiliate. The Stephen F. Austin product played in 48 games with a .222/.268/.394 line, but the Bees released him on June 2. He is still a free agent, but there is no sign MLB clubs are lining up to sign the former first-round pick.

RHP Mike Mayers

Mike Mayers’ 2023 season in Kansas City was a mix of challenges and solid production, with his standout performance against the St. Louis Cardinals serving as the highlight of his tenure. A right-handed pitcher with a history of potential but inconsistency, Mayers joined the Royals after several seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. The Royals, in desperate need of pitching depth, had a need and chance for the veteran.

His time with the Royals was nothing short of a rollercoaster. He faced struggles with command and was prone to giving up home runs, resulting in an ERA higher than Royals fans would have liked. Yet, amidst these challenges, Mayers delivered some standout performances that hinted at his value as a versatile pitcher—capable of starting or coming out of the bullpen.

The pinnacle of his season came on May 29, 2023, against the St. Louis Cardinals. On that night, Mayers was nearly untouchable, pitching six scoreless innings, allowing just two hits, and striking out three. It was a great display that had fans excited about his role in Kansas City. The fact that it came against the Cardinals, the team that originally drafted him, made it all the more satisfying. This performance was a rare bright spot in an otherwise turbulent season for the Royals, showcasing Mayers' ability to shine in big moments.

Despite this moment of brilliance, Mayers’ struggle for consistency hit hard in his next three appearances. He appeared in three more games, totaling 13 innings of 11.08 ERA and walking more batters than he struck out. By late 2023, the Royals designated him for assignment and moved on to more patchwork pitching options.

As of 2024, Mike Mayers has found a new opportunity with the Toronto Blue Jays, signing a minor league contract. The Blue Jays, who have faced their pitching struggles, never did turn to Mayers for help. He only played for their Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons. The team released the veteran on Aug. 2, while Toronto traded away several relief pitchers at the July 30 trade deadline. The Ohio native is still available, looking to put a tough 2024 season behind him.

DH Franmil Reyes

Franmil Reyes joined the Royals in 2023 with high hopes of delivering the power they desperately needed in their lineup. Known for his home-run prowess with the Cleveland Guardians and San Diego Padres, the Royals made a low-risk move by banking on Reyes to reignite his slugging form in Kansas City. Unfortunately, his stint with the Royals turned out to be a swing and a miss, leaving both the player and the team with little to celebrate.

In just 19 games, Reyes managed a disappointing .186 batting average, a far cry from his expectations. Despite being brought in to deliver offensive firepower, he could muster only two home runs and seven RBIs. His high strikeout rate, a career-long issue, was particularly glaring during his brief time in Kansas City, further dampening his impact at the plate. With a lackluster on-base percentage, Reyes struggled to be a consistent threat in the lineup, adding to the Royals' frustrations.

The Royals, who were already in the midst of a rebuilding phase, quickly realized that Reyes did not fit into their longer-term plans. With a focus on developing young talent, the team could not afford to wait for Reyes to regain his form. His lack of production and struggles at the plate made it difficult to justify his inclusion on the roster. The Royals wanted to foster team chemistry and improve overall performance, but Reyes' struggles hampered those efforts.

When the Royals cut Reyes loose, it was clear that they were focused on the future. Rather than wait for a veteran's unlikely comeback, they decided to prioritize providing their younger players with an opportunity to shine. Reyes did end up joining the Washington Nationals, where he currently plays for the Rochester Red Wings, their Triple-A club. Despite his success in drawing walks, he was limited to just 34 games with the Red Wings.

As of 2024, Franmil Reyes has found a new opportunity with the Japan Pacific League's Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters. The Dominican Republic native has partially rediscovered his power-hitting form, totaling 12 home runs and a .799 OPS in 78 games. Whether Reyes can make the most of this fresh start remains to be seen, but he now has another chance to prove himself abroad.

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