The Kansas City Royals signed former All-Star pitcher Tony Gonsolin to a major league deal for 2026 with a 2027 club option, the AL Central club announced Thursday.
The right-hander was immediately placed on the 15-day injured list after signing, which tells you everything about where he’s at physically right now.
Gonsolin’s a World Series champion from the Dodgers’ 2020 title run, spending his first six seasons with Los Angeles before hitting free agency. But injuries have been the story lately.
He’s thrown over 100 innings just twice in his career. Tommy John surgery in August 2023 wiped out his entire 2024 season. When he tried to come back last year, he managed just seven starts before needing an internal brace procedure in August.
That’s the risk Kansas City’s taking on here.
The reward? When healthy, Gonsolin’s been excellent. His 2022 All-Star season was special – a 2.14 ERA with a 16-1 record and career-high 4.3 bWAR across 24 starts. Those aren’t flukey numbers for a guy who knows how to pitch.
The Royals seem to be betting on his upside more than his immediate availability. They’ll get a chance to evaluate his health once he’s off the IL and see if he can be a rotation piece for 2027.
It’s a low-risk move with significant upside if Gonsolin can stay healthy. The club option gives Kansas City flexibility, and they’re not counting on him for anything immediate given the IL placement.
For a team that’s been building toward contention, adding a pitcher with Gonsolin’s ceiling – even with the injury concerns – makes sense as a depth play that could turn into something more.
