The Athletic’s report on right-hander Mitch Spence moving from Oakland to Kansas City for minor-league pitcher AJ Causey signals a real turning point for both clubs’ pitching plans. Let’s break down what changed hands, why the Royals are rolling the dice on Spence’s multi-inning flexibility, and what Causey might bring as a high-upside addition to Kansas City’s farm system.
Trade Details and Context
Oakland designated Spence for assignment earlier this week. The Royals finalized the deal after they opened a 40-man roster spot by moving Alec Marsh to the 60-day injured list following his November labrum surgery.
These moves shake up both teams’ plans for 2026 and beyond.
- Mitch Spence joined Oakland as a Rule 5 pick from the Yankees before the 2024 season. He quickly became a regular in the A’s rotation, throwing 151 1/3 innings over 35 appearances (24 starts).
- In 2024 and 2025, Spence held a mid-4.00s ERA. He didn’t strike out many, but he kept walks low and got more ground balls than most.
- When the A’s brought in Jeffrey Springs and Luis Severino, Spence lost his rotation spot. He pitched mostly in relief during 2025, with just a short return to starting.
- That return saw him post a 5.05 ERA and give up 11 homers, including a tough September with nine earned runs in 10 innings.
- Kansas City wants to rebuild Spence as a starter, hoping his experience in different roles pays off. Right now, Bailey Falter is their swingman.
Kansas City’s strategy is pretty clear: tap into Spence’s flexibility and add some upside with Causey. If Causey can put his skills together, he might move quickly through their system. That’s a big “if,” but the Royals are betting on it.
Spence’s Journey and 2024-25 Performance
Mitch Spence landed in Oakland as a Rule 5 pick and made himself useful right away by eating innings—a big deal for a team trying to build depth. In 2024 and 2025, he showed he could keep hitters off balance, limit walks, and get grounders.
But without big strikeout stuff, his ceiling looked more steady than spectacular. The A’s offseason moves pushed him to the bullpen. In 2025, he adapted, but his numbers—especially a 5.05 ERA as a part-time starter—showed how tough it is to stick in the rotation without overpowering hitters.
September really drove that home. Nine earned runs in 10 innings—ouch. That’s the kind of volatility you get sometimes with guys like him, especially when they bounce between roles.
Royals’ Roster Moves and AJ Causey
Kansas City made room for Spence by moving Alec Marsh to the 60-day IL after his shoulder surgery. That clears a spot and hints at the team’s willingness to juggle roles between starters and relievers.
AJ Causey, a 23-year-old taken in the fifth round of the 2024 draft out of Tennessee, now joins the Royals’ pitching pipeline. He’s a long-term play for them.
Causey’s got an interesting profile: In 2024, across High-A Quad Cities and Double-A Northwest Arkansas, he managed a 1.72 ERA over 48 games and struck out more than a batter per inning. Scouts like his slider and changeup, and his funky sidearm delivery makes his 90 mph fastball look quicker than it is.
That mix gives him a pretty high floor, and maybe even a ceiling as a multi-inning guy. If he keeps developing, he could become a real asset for Kansas City as he climbs the ladder.
What This Means Going Forward
Oakland moves Spence, opening up some space in both their bullpen and rotation. This gives them more flexibility and a shot at better cost control down the road.
Kansas City gets Spence, a veteran who can handle multiple innings. Maybe he even works his way back into a starting role if things break right.
Causey heads to the Royals as well. He’s got a big arm and plenty of upside, though he’ll need some time in the minors.
Honestly, this trade just shows two teams on different tracks. Oakland’s stacking up depth for the future, while Kansas City’s taking a shot on some upside with less risk.
Here is the source article for this story: A’s Trade Mitch Spence To Royals
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