Kansas City Royals sign former Toronto Blue Jays utility player with power
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
With Spring Training just around the corner, many more players are receiving minor league deals with invitations.
Brandon Drury is no exception.
The former Toronto Blue Jays infielder/outfielder reached an agreement with the Kansas City Royals early on Wednesday.
We have signed INF Brandon Drury to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
Drury hasn't appeared in a major league game since the 2024 season
While he looked good in Spring Training with the Chicago White Sox around this time a year ago, Drury suffered a broken thumb in the final days of camp, torpedoing his chances at making the opening day roster.
He struggled in the minors during his rehab and was ultimately released by the club.
He signed on with the Los Angeles Angels - his team in 2023-2024 - but he didn't fare much better.
If he can stay healthy, which has been challenge throughout his career, then he will plenty to offer the Royals.
He can play both corner outfield positions, and has significant time at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd base.
He also has some power, hitting 26 home runs with LA in 2023, and 28 in 2022.
He also has three other seasons where he hit at least 13 home runs, including 15 with the Blue Jays in 2019.
Drury's weakness however is his glove. While he always been known as a bat-first utility player, his defensive metrics have declined in the last couple of seasons.
Still, he is competent enough that if his offence can recover, he should be able to play himself into a role in 2026.
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