The Kansas City Royals have unveiled their Opening Day roster, and while there weren’t many surprises, the mix of established talent and areas lacking competition tells a story of an evolving team. This dynamic is partly due to a talent gap in the upper levels of their minor league system.
Building a strong roster through drafting and development takes time. The Royals are in the midst of this process, which involves transitioning away from players invested in by previous management. Recent moves highlight this shift.
The Omaha Storm Chasers, the Royals’ Triple-A team, recently bid farewell to pitcher Chandler Champlain. Champlain, who made 29 appearances and 25 starts for Omaha last season, was surprisingly released on March 23. He wasn’t the only one-outfielder Tyler Gentry was also let go.
Champlain showed promise in 2024 with a stellar performance at Double-A, earning a promotion to Omaha. Despite facing tougher competition, he remained a pitcher to watch.
But 2025 was a different story. Champlain struggled, posting a 7.84 ERA over 119.1 innings.
Even in the hitter-friendly International League, these numbers were concerning. With a more competitive pitching staff in Omaha, the Royals decided not to give him another chance.
Gentry, on the other hand, had a notable minor league career with the Royals, earning Organizational All-Star honors in 2022 and 2023. His 2023 season in Omaha was impressive, leading the team in several categories and earning a spot on the 40-man roster. He made his MLB debut in late 2024 but had limited opportunities to prove himself.
In 2025, despite the Royals’ outfield challenges, Gentry spent the season in Omaha and was eventually designated for assignment. His struggles at the plate, including a career-low .655 OPS, led to his release.
The future for Champlain and Gentry is uncertain. While their recent performances may not make them top minor-league free agents, there’s hope they’ll find new opportunities to continue their careers.