Royals Add Versatile Infielder Brandon Drury to 2026 Roster

Royals Sign Veteran Brandon Drury for Depth and Potential Upside

This article looks at the Kansas City Royals’ recent move to sign veteran infielder/outfielder Brandon Drury. He’s coming in on a minor-league contract with a shot at big-league spring training.

Drury’s had a bumpy ride lately, but he’s shown flashes in the past. The Royals hope he can add some valuable depth to a roster that’s already crowded with options.

Drury’s Rollercoaster Ride: From Promising Spring to Minor League Mire

Brandon Drury is a name baseball fans have heard plenty. Now, he’s starting a new chapter with the Kansas City Royals.

His path here hasn’t exactly been smooth. He’s had some brilliant moments, but also plenty of setbacks.

The 2024 season, honestly, was rough for Drury. He put up a monster spring training with the White Sox, slashing .410/.439/.821 across 41 plate appearances.

Then, a broken thumb late in camp changed everything. That injury knocked him out and ended his shot at making the Opening Day roster.

After recovering, he struggled in the minors with Chicago and eventually got released. A short stint with the Angels’ minor league system didn’t go any better.

He finished the year with a disappointing .214/.338/.323 slash line over 228 plate appearances in the minors. Those numbers really show how tough things got after his injury.

His major league time with the Angels in 2024 was even harder to watch. He hit just .169/.242/.228 in 97 games and didn’t help himself much on defense either.

It’s no surprise teams were hesitant, but there’s still something intriguing about him.

Unlocking the Past: Drury’s Offensive Potential

Despite the recent struggles, the Royals are clearly hoping for a different version of Drury. Why else would a 33-year-old with his track record get an invite to big-league camp?

The answer is in his past. When he’s right, he’s shown real offensive firepower.

The Power Surge of 2022-2023

Back in 2022 and 2023, Drury was a real threat at the plate. Playing for the Reds, Padres, and Angels, he mashed 54 home runs, 64 doubles, and five triples across 1,091 plate appearances.

He kept up a solid .262/.313/.495 slash line during that span. The Royals are hoping he can find that swing again.

A Versatile Utilityman, Despite Defensive Woes

Drury’s always been more of a bat-first utilityman. He swings from the right side and can cover all four corner infield and outfield spots, plus second base.

His defense has never been his calling card, and at his age, that’s unlikely to change. Still, that kind of versatility is tough to find.

He gives the manager some real options, especially when the season gets long and guys start getting banged up.

Royals’ Roster Fit: A Perfect Blend of Depth and Low-Cost Opportunity

The Royals’ decision to bring in Drury feels pretty logical, especially when you look at cost and depth.

Adding Depth to a Crowded Infield and Outfield

The current roster’s got its share of regulars and promising young players:

• First Base: Vinnie Pasquantino
• Third Base: Maikel García
• Second Base: Jonathan India
• Left Field: Isaac Collins
• Right Field: Jac Caglianone (competing for the spot)
• DH/First Base: Salvador Perez (expected to absorb innings)

Even with all this talent, baseball seasons are long and injuries happen. Drury’s ability to play multiple spots makes him a solid insurance policy.

If someone goes down at second, third, or the corners, Drury could fill in without much fuss. Sometimes, that’s exactly what a team needs to get through a tough stretch.

A Low-Risk, High-Reward Proposition

The thing about a minor-league deal with a big-league camp invite? It’s a low financial commitment for the Royals.

If Drury finds his groove in spring training and flashes some of that 2022-23 magic, he could snag a bench spot. But if he can’t get it going, well, the Royals really don’t lose much.

This move feels like a classic “try before you buy” situation. Both Drury and the team get a shot at recapturing some old success, and hey, sometimes a new setting makes all the difference.

The Royals are hoping Drury’s bat wakes up and gives them a reliable, experienced bench option. That’s the kind of upside that could actually matter down the stretch.

 
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