Royals Sign All-Star, World Series Champion Starter

The Kansas City Royals bolstered their starting rotation by signing 32-year-old right-hander Tony Gonsolin, a World Series champion and 2022 NL All-Star, to a significant contract. Due to the signing, they designated left-handed pitcher Eli Morgan for assignment. Gonsolin, who last played for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025, made five starts for the team and recorded a 5.00 ERA, striking out 38 batters in 36 innings before suffering a right elbow injury.

He underwent surgery in August 2025 and has been sidelined since, entering free agency at season's end. Gonsolin's career ERA through six MLB seasons is 3.34 in 411.2 innings pitched, with 387 strikeouts. Although he missed the 2025 season following his elbow surgery, the Royals have activated a 2027 club option for him. The team is currently facing a pitching crisis, as several key starters are on the 60-day injured list due to Tommy John surgery or other injuries.

With Stephen Kolek, Cole Ragans, and Luinder Avila now idled, the Royals had to expedite their roster reinforcement. The roster's struggles in starting pitching are evident, as their collective ERA ranks 24th in MLB and fourth-worst in the American League. With such a short window to address the issues, the Royals rushed to sign Gonsolin to strengthen their rotation.