ROYALS NEWS AND NOTES
K.C. gauges potential interest in former player; Hampson designated for assignment
By artoodeetoo
06/21/2024
TOP STORIES
Royals, Pirates have discussed Michael A. Taylor: Could a reunion with Michael A. Taylor be in the cards?
A recent report from MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince suggests that the Royals are interested in potentially bringing back the 33-year-old outfielder via trade, but that any talks are preliminary in measure.
Taylor still plays elite-level defense, and has hit left-handers very well so far this season in posting an .800 OPS in 107 plate appearances against them. He was the Royals' lone Gold Glove winner in 2021, winning the award in center field.
Taylor was traded to Minnesota from Kansas City merely seventeen months ago, playing out the 2023 season with the Twins before signing a minor league contract with Pittsburgh prior to this season.
Royals GM J.J. Picollo has made it clear that upgrading the offense is a priority, as they've also been linked to Angels utility man Brandon Drury and Giants infielder Wilmer Flores in recent days.
Royals designate Hampson; re-call Austin Nola from Omaha: He's been a walk-off hero in several games this season, but the Royals have decided to part ways with utility man Garrett Hampson as the team designated him for assignment this morning.
Signed for $2 million prior to the season, Hampson is the second veteran infield signee to be designated in as many months, with Adam Frazier being designated and subsequently released after refusing a minors assignment with the club. A corresponding 40-man move has not yet been announced, as Nola is already on the 40-man roster.
Nola has largely shouldered the catching load with the Storm Chasers, but is expected to fill more of a utility role with the Royals as they have Salvador Perez and Freddy Fermin already on the roster, including MJ Melendez who could fill in behind the plate in a pinch.
Nola has had an outstanding season with Omaha so far, posting an .895 OPS, including a 1.011 OPS against lefties. He also has more walks (36) than strikeouts (31). Rodolfo Duran and Kale Emshoff, who was promoted to Triple-A to take Nola's spot, are expected to split the catching duties for the Storm Chasers' staff.
OTHER ROYALS HEADLINES
RHP Alec Marsh (shoulder) expected to begin rehab assignment next week
Top infield prospect Cayden Wallace back to injured list with fractured wrist
Royals to promote C Omar Hernandez from High-A to Double-A, Omaha C Logan Porter released
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