The Kansas City Royals just dipped into the free-agent pool for infield depth, signing versatile switch-hitter Abraham Toro to a minor league deal. He’s got an invite to major league spring training, which makes this a classic low-risk, potential-upside move for a club trying to solidify its infield around an emerging core.
This puts Toro squarely in the mix for one of the final roster spots in 2026. Maybe not a headline grabber, but it’s a move that makes sense for a roster that needs options.
Royals Add Versatile Depth With Abraham Toro Signing
The Royals’ agreement with Toro isn’t about making a splash. It’s about building a roster that can handle the grind of a long season.
A minor league contract with a spring invite gives Kansas City the chance to take a long look at a player who’s bounced around the majors but still offers some upside, especially as a utility guy.
Toro turns 29 this week and has already logged parts of seven MLB seasons. His days as a top prospect are gone, but he still brings what modern front offices like: positional flexibility, switch-hitting, and a solid track record in the upper minors.
A Look at Toro’s Major League Track Record
Toro’s big league résumé says “classic depth piece” more than everyday starter. In 1,582 MLB plate appearances, he owns a .223/.285/.356 career slash line with an 81 wRC+.
He’s produced about 19 percent below league average offensively. But there’s more to it than that.
Toro’s strikeout rate has actually been slightly better than league average, so he’s not exactly overmatched by big league pitching. The problem? A below-average walk rate and modest power, which have held back his offensive ceiling.
Most recently, Toro spent time with the Boston Red Sox in 2025. They outrighted him off their roster in August, and he finished the year in the minors before hitting free agency.
For a player in his late 20s, this Royals deal is a shot to reestablish himself as a trusted utility option.
Minor League Success Hints at Untapped Potential
His major league numbers don’t jump off the page. But his work in the minors since 2021 tells a more optimistic story.
Strong Production in the Upper Minors
In nearly 800 minor league plate appearances since 2021, Toro has put up a strong .286/.380/.474 slash line with a 120 wRC+. That’s about 20 percent better than league average at those levels, thanks to improved on-base skills and some gap power.
For the Royals, that’s not nothing. They aren’t expecting Toro to suddenly become a middle-of-the-order bat, but maybe his minor league approach can translate a bit better with regular work, favorable matchups, or a tweak or two from the hitting coaches.
Defensively, Toro’s appeal is even clearer. He’s logged time at every infield position except shortstop and has also seen a little action in both corner outfield spots.
That kind of flexibility gives a manager some real options when injuries hit or late-game moves are needed.
Where Toro Fits in a Crowded Royals Infield Picture
The context in Kansas City matters. The Royals aren’t a rebuilding club with endless at-bats to hand out anymore.
Their infield core is mostly set, but there’s always room for a versatile piece if he makes a strong impression in camp.
Second Base Battle Could Be Toro’s Opening
Three spots are basically locked down:
The soft spot is second base. Both Jonathan India and Michael Massey had rough years in 2025, so that position feels wide open heading into spring training.
That’s the crack in the door Toro wants to wedge open. He’ll show up alongside veteran infielder Kevin Newman as a non-roster guy who can fight for a bench role or maybe more, depending on how things go in March.
One thing to remember: Toro is out of minor league options if he makes the big league roster. If he breaks camp with the team, the Royals can’t send him down without exposing him to waivers first.
This signing is really about competition and flexibility. Toro gives Kansas City:
Here is the source article for this story: Royals To Sign Abraham Toro To Minor League Deal
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