The Royals are taking a low-risk, potentially high-reward swing this spring by bringing in veteran infielder Brandon Drury on a minor league deal with an invite to big league camp. While Drury didn’t see any major league action last season, his recent track record suggests he’s still got some pop left in the bat - and Kansas City is betting there’s something worth unlocking.
Drury’s journey through the majors has been anything but linear. Originally drafted by the Braves back in 2010 - when current Royals scouting director Brian Bridges was still with Atlanta - Drury first made his mark after being traded to Arizona in the Justin Upton deal. He debuted with the D-backs in 2015 and has since worn a number of uniforms, including stints with the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Mets.
But it wasn’t until 2022 that Drury truly broke out. That season with the Reds, he slashed .263/.320/.492 with 28 homers and earned a Silver Slugger Award. It was the kind of year that turned heads and got him paid - a two-year, $17 million deal with the Angels followed.
In 2023, he delivered solid power numbers again, hitting 26 home runs. But 2024 was a different story.
His production cratered, as he hit just .169 with four home runs across 97 games. He briefly joined the White Sox organization but never cracked the big league roster, finishing the year back in the Angels’ system.
Now 33, Drury is hoping to reignite his career in Kansas City. He brings a right-handed bat with defensive versatility - he can handle first, second, and third base, and even has some outfield experience in his back pocket. That kind of flexibility could make him a valuable bench piece if he shows well in camp.
The Royals’ infield competition is shaping up to be one to watch this spring. Drury will be in the mix for a reserve role alongside Michael Massey, Nick Loftin, and Tyler Tolbert. He’ll also be competing with a group of veteran non-roster invitees that includes Connor Kaiser, Kevin Newman, Josh Rojas, and Abraham Toro.
For a Royals team looking to build depth and find value wherever they can, Drury represents a classic spring training flyer - a proven bat with a history of production who’s trying to prove he’s still got something left in the tank.