2 Longtime MLB Veterans Make Royals Roster

The Kansas City Royals are working on rebuilding, with young stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino. But for their final roster spots, they've added 17 years of major league experience.

Matt Duffy & Jackie Bradley Jr. have been informed they’re making the #Royals roster. Franmil Reyes is likely to make it, too. Edward Olivares & Nate Eaton have made it. Roster won’t be official until Thursday because of 40-man moves. KC working through final bullpen decisions.

— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) March 27, 2023

Jackie Bradley Jr., a 10-year veteran, and Matt Duffy, with seven years in the big leagues, have been told they'll be breaking camp with the Royals. And according to beat writer Anne Rogers, five-year man Franmil Reyes will likely make it as well.

Bradley Jr., turning 33 next month, is a former All-Star and Gold Glover from his days with the Boston Red Sox. But that was a long time ago, and these days, he's been relegated to more of a defensive replacement role, or as a left-handed bat in a pinch. He's only batted .182 over the past two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. But his defense can still get it done when needed.

Duffy provides a nice utility role in the infield, having played every position except catcher over the last few years. He spent last season with the Los Angeles Angles where he had a .619 OPS, but played plenty of first, second and third base. 

Reyes is a 5-year veteran who has 106 career homers in five seasons, and can provide some much-needed thump to the KC lineup.

Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports