Royals release Ryan McBroom

The Royals announced they have released first baseman/outfielder Ryan McBroom to allow him to pursue opportunities in Asia. McBroom appeared in parts of three seasons with the Royals, hitting .268/.322/.427 with six home runs in 177 plate appearances. The 29-year old appeared in just seven games with them this year, going 2-for-8 with one walk and six strikeouts. He also smacked 32 home runs for Triple-A Omaha, hitting .261/.337/.524.

The Royals acquired McBroom from the Yankees in August of 2019 for international bonus pool allotments and cash considerations. He played well down the stretch for the Royals that season, hitting .293/.361/.360 and had a role as a bench player in 2020, where he set a club record with three pinch-hit home runs in one season. But it was clear he was not in their plans this year, earning very little playing time despite mashing in the minors.

The release opens up another spot on the 40-man roster, which is now down to 37 players following the release of infielder Hanser Alberto and pitcher Scott Blewett last week. After the World Series, the Royals will have to activate Brad Keller, Richard Lovelady, Wade Davis, and Jesse Hahn from the 60-day Injured List although Davis and Hahn, as well as Ervin Santana and Greg Holland, will become free agents. MJ Melendez and Nick Pratto are among the minor leaguers that will need to be added to the roster by November 19 to protect them from the Rule 5 draft.