Here’s a bold statement: Brandon Drury’s career has been a rollercoaster, and the Kansas City Royals just hopped on for the ride. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this a smart move for a team already stacked in Drury’s primary positions, or a desperate gamble for depth? Let’s dive in.
The Royals announced on Wednesday that they’ve inked veteran infielder/outfielder Brandon Drury to a minor league contract. Represented by Wasserman, Drury will join the big league camp this spring as a non-roster invitee. At 33, Drury’s journey has been anything but predictable. Last year, he turned heads during spring training with the White Sox, slashing an impressive .410/.439/.821 with three homers and seven doubles in just 41 plate appearances. It seemed like a lock for him to make Chicago’s Opening Day roster—until a broken thumb in the final days of camp derailed his chances. And this is the part most people miss—after returning from injury, Drury struggled in the minors, leading to his release by the White Sox. A subsequent minor league deal with the Angels didn’t fare much better, and he finished the season with a disappointing .214/.338/.323 slash line in 228 minor league plate appearances.
But let’s not forget Drury’s track record. Despite an up-and-down career, he’s proven capable of power, once hitting 25 homers in a season—though often paired with a low on-base percentage. His most recent major league stint in 2024 was a career low, batting just .169/.242/.228 with subpar defense in 97 games for the Angels. However, from 2022-23, Drury was a force, slashing .262/.313/.495 with 54 home runs and 64 doubles across 1,091 plate appearances with the Reds, Padres, and Angels.
Drury is a bat-first utility player with experience at all four corner positions and second base. While he’s never been a standout defender, his versatility still holds value if his bat can rebound. Here’s the controversial question—can a player in his mid-30s with declining defensive skills and recent offensive struggles truly contribute to a team already crowded at his positions? The Royals have Vinnie Pasquantino at first base, Maikel Garcia at third, Isaac Collins in left field, Jac Caglianone in right, and Jonathan India at second. Plus, catcher Salvador Perez is expected to spend significant time at DH and first base. That’s a lot of competition for Drury, who’s likely vying for a bench role at best.
Still, Drury’s presence adds depth, especially if injuries strike. But is that enough to justify his spot? What do you think? Is this a savvy move by the Royals, or a wasted opportunity? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
