Royals Gamble on Injured All-Star
Kansas City Royals Sign Injured Ex-All-Star Gonsolin Amid Rotation Crisis
Key Points
Gonsolin's last MLB appearance before signing with the Royals came on June 4, 2025, for the Dodgers prior to his new contract with Kansas City.
The Dodgers designated Gonsolin for assignment in the 2025 offseason after an injury‑plagued year, opening the door for his opportunity with the Royals.
In 2022, Gonsolin went 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 24 starts, ranking second in the majors in ERA that year and establishing himself as an All-Star with the Dodgers.
KC's rotation situation was acute, with three starters on the 60-day injured list (Kolek, Ragans, Avila) and a team ERA of 4.54 (24th in MLB), prompting a trade of Kris Bubic to the Dodgers for right-hander Carlos Duran.
To clear a roster spot for Gonsolin, the Royals designated Eli Morgan for assignment.
The Kansas City Royals signed right-hander Tony Gonsolin to a major league contract and immediately placed him on the 15-day injured list, according to Newsweek. The move comes as Kansas City's rotation sits in crisis, with three starters sidelined and a team ERA of 4.54 — 24th in MLB.
Gonsolin, a former Dodgers All-Star and 2020 World Series champion, is recovering from elbow surgery performed in August 2025. His deal covers the remainder of 2026 and includes a club option for 2027, Sportskeeda reported.
Three Starters Down, Rotation in Shambles
Kansas City's pitching staff has been gutted by injuries. Tyler Kolek, Cole Ragans, and Jake Avila are all on the 60-day injured list. That means they cannot return for at least two months. The Royals needed arms, and they needed them fast.
The Royals also traded Kris Bubic to the Dodgers for right-hander Carlos Duran to add depth, Sacramento Bee reported. To clear a roster spot for Gonsolin, Kansas City designated reliever Eli Morgan for assignment, per Newsweek.
Gonsolin's Peak Was Among the Best in Baseball
Gonsolin is not just any depth signing. In 2022, he went 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA across 24 starts for Los Angeles. That ERA ranked second in all of MLB that season. He made the All-Star Game and helped the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series.
Over six big-league seasons, Gonsolin owns a career ERA of 3.34 with 387 strikeouts, according to The Olympian. Those numbers show elite upside when healthy. That is exactly why Kansas City took the risk on a pitcher still rehabbing from surgery.
Dodgers Cut Ties After Injury-Plagued 2025 Season
Gonsolin's road to Kansas City started in Los Angeles. The Dodgers designated him for assignment in the 2025 offseason after a rough, injury-filled year. His last MLB appearance came on June 4, 2025, before elbow surgery ended his season, per News Observer.
The Dodgers moved on, but the Royals saw an opening. Kansas City is betting Gonsolin can return to health and provide real innings. Fan reaction has been mixed. Sportskeeda noted some called him "another old washed up player" while others said "he's a gamer."
Club Option for 2027 Signals Royals' Long-Term Bet
The 2027 club option is the most telling part of the deal. It gives Kansas City control over Gonsolin next season without a firm commitment. If he returns to form, the Royals keep him cheap. If he struggles, they walk away.
Analysts call it a calculated risk. The Royals get a high-ceiling starter at low cost now, with the chance to lock him in for 2027 based on health and performance, according to Sacramento Bee. For a team with a broken rotation, the upside is worth the gamble.
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