Royals Spring Training Notebook: Mitch Spence Gets a Look, Alec Marsh Hits the IL, and Jonathan India Turns Heads
Spring training is officially rolling in Surprise, and while the first pitch of Cactus League play is still a few days away, the Kansas City Royals are already making moves - and making headlines.
From roster shuffles to injury updates and early impressions from the coaching staff, the first week of camp has been anything but quiet. Here's a closer look at three storylines Royals fans should have on their radar as the team gears up for the 2026 season.
Mitch Spence Joins the Royals - and He’s Not Just Depth
The Royals made a notable move this week, acquiring right-hander Mitch Spence from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for pitching prospect A.J. Causey. On the surface, it looks like a depth play - Spence has bounced between the bullpen and rotation in his big-league time - but Kansas City is thinking a little bigger.
According to general manager J.J. Picollo, the Royals plan to stretch Spence out as a starter this spring, despite an already crowded rotation picture. That’s a clear sign they see more than just a mop-up arm or emergency call-up.
“Right now, we’d like to have as many optionable starting pitchers in Triple-A,” Picollo said. “Because whatever happens, now you have multiple guys you could potentially call up.”
It’s a smart approach. In today’s game, starting pitching depth is less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Spence, who spent last season toggling between Oakland and Triple-A Las Vegas, still has two minor league options left - giving the Royals flexibility they can use all season long.
Even if Spence doesn’t crack the Opening Day rotation, he’s the kind of arm who could be called on quickly if injuries or inconsistencies strike. And with his ability to work in both roles, he fits the mold of the modern swingman - someone who may not be a headliner but could still play a key role over 162 games.
Alec Marsh Lands on 60-Day IL - Again
In a corresponding move to make room for Spence, the Royals placed right-hander Alec Marsh on the 60-day injured list - a tough but not entirely surprising development.
Marsh missed the entire 2025 season with a right shoulder impingement, and after undergoing labral surgery in the fall, it’s the same issue keeping him sidelined again. Early signs point to Marsh missing the entire 2026 campaign as well.
It’s a tough break for a pitcher who showed flashes of promise in 2024, his first real run as a starter. That year, Marsh made 26 appearances (25 starts), logging 129 innings with a 4.53 ERA, 4.34 FIP, and 1.26 WHIP. While the numbers don’t jump off the page, they were solid for a young arm finding his footing in the majors.
Now 27, Marsh faces the challenge of rehabbing a second straight lost season - and trying to re-establish himself in a rotation that’s quickly getting more competitive. For now, the Royals will have to move forward without him, while hoping the long-term outlook improves down the line.
Jonathan India Drawing Praise Despite 2025 Struggles
One of the more intriguing storylines in camp revolves around Jonathan India. After a disappointing 2025 season, the former NL Rookie of the Year enters spring training with something to prove - and so far, he's making a strong impression.
India slashed just .233/.323/.346 last year, all career lows, and posted an 89 wRC+ - a far cry from the offensive spark he was expected to provide. But Royals hitting coach Alec Zumwalt has been vocal about the work India put in over the offseason and is optimistic about what’s ahead.
“He put a lot of work in this offseason to be in the best place he can be,” Zumwalt said.
That’s not just coach-speak. India is clearly in a better headspace this spring, and the Royals are giving him every opportunity to carve out a regular role, likely at second base.
Still, questions remain. How long is the leash if the bat doesn’t bounce back?
Does he stay in the top half of the lineup, or slide down if the production doesn’t come? And perhaps most importantly: Was 2025 an outlier, or the beginning of a downward trend?
With an $8 million salary on the books for 2026, the Royals are betting on a bounce-back. If India can regain even some of his earlier form, he could be a valuable piece in a lineup that needs consistency.
What’s Next?
The Royals are still a week away from live game action, but the early days of camp have already given us a glimpse into the team’s mindset - and their margin for error.
They’re building depth, keeping options open, and banking on a few key players to rebound. Whether that gamble pays off will start to become clearer once the games begin.
But for now, it’s clear: Kansas City is setting the tone early. And if this first week is any indication, spring training in Surprise won’t be short on storylines.