The Royals are adding to their pitching depth, acquiring right-hander Mitch Spence from the Athletics in exchange for minor league arm AJ Causey. The move comes just days after Oakland designated Spence for assignment, and Kansas City wasted little time jumping on the opportunity. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Royals shifted Alec Marsh to the 60-day injured list - a procedural move, as Marsh is expected to miss the entire 2026 season following labrum surgery last November.
For Spence, this marks the next chapter in what’s been a winding road since his Rule 5 selection by Oakland from the Yankees ahead of the 2024 season. He made a strong initial impression that year, logging over 150 innings in a hybrid role that saw him make 24 starts across 35 appearances.
His ERA landed in the mid-4.00s - not lights-out, but respectable given the context. He didn’t miss a ton of bats, but he kept the walks in check and induced ground balls at a solid clip, traits that made him a reliable innings-eater for a team in transition.
But the A’s rotation landscape shifted this winter. With the arrivals of Jeffrey Springs and Luis Severino, Spence found himself squeezed out of a starting spot.
He shifted primarily to the bullpen, making 32 appearances in relief with just a brief return to the rotation in June. That stint didn’t go as planned - a 5.05 ERA and 11 home runs allowed in limited innings led to a demotion.
When he returned in September, things didn’t get much better. He closed the season with 10 innings and nine earned runs allowed, a tough finish that ultimately led to his DFA.
Still, Kansas City sees value in Spence’s versatility. According to team sources, the Royals plan to stretch him out as a starter, but they also like that he’s shown he can handle a bullpen role.
That flexibility will be key as the Royals navigate the long grind of a season. Bailey Falter currently holds down the swingman role, but Spence gives them another option who’s been through the rigors of a big league season.
On the other side of the deal, Oakland picks up AJ Causey, a 23-year-old right-hander who’s quickly made a name for himself since being drafted in the fifth round out of Tennessee in 2024. Causey started his pro career at High-A and wasted no time making an impression - he posted a 1.56 ERA in just over 40 innings with Quad City. That earned him a promotion to Double-A, where he kept rolling with a sub-2.00 ERA across 21 appearances.
In total, Causey finished the season with a 1.72 ERA and more than a strikeout per inning over 48 outings. He’s not overpowering - his fastball sits around 90 mph - but his sidearm delivery gives hitters a different look, and both his slider and changeup have drawn praise from scouts. It’s a profile that could play well in a variety of bullpen roles, and the A’s are clearly intrigued by his upside.
This trade doesn’t make headlines like a blockbuster would, but it’s a classic example of two teams addressing different needs. The Royals get a big-league-ready arm who can wear multiple hats, while the A’s continue to stockpile young talent with the hope of developing the next wave. Keep an eye on both Spence and Causey - their 2026 seasons could go a long way in shaping how this deal is ultimately judged.