Royals Make a Big Decision on Former Dodgers All-Star

On Thursday, the Kansas City Royals decided to exercise their club option on right-handed pitcher Tony Gonsolin, keeping the veteran on the team for the upcoming season. Gonsolin, who previously played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is entering his eighth year in Major League Baseball. Despite a 69-win campaign for the Royals last season, the team was eager to re-sign the experienced hurler, who has been a proven difference-maker throughout his career.

Gonsolin, now 32 years old, has struggled with injuries throughout his career. He had difficulty staying off the injured list and recently underwent elbow surgery in August 2025. Before that setback, he had a stellar 2019 season with the Dodgers, posting a 2.14 ERA over 130.1 innings, which earned him a spot as the National League starter in the All-Star Game.

The Royals decided to bring Gonsolin back on a one-year, $2.5 million contract, despite his limited track record with the team. He has only pitched once for the Royals since signing with them in August 2026, tossing 2.2 innings against the White Sox on September 22nd, allowing five earned runs. Despite the lack of substantial evidence, the Royals believe that Gonsolin's experience and proven performance make him a valuable addition to their rotation.

Currently, the Royals' pitching staff includes staff ace Cole Ragans, who will be recovering from a season-ending elbow injury before Opening Day. Former All-Star Seth Lugo aims to bounce back after a disappointing 2026 season, while young lefty Noah Cameron shows great potential. While there is uncertainty surrounding the team's rotation, the decision to re-sign Gonsolin could prove to be a wise move for the Royals, as he will likely cost them very little and could provide valuable experience in the rotation.