As the Kansas City Royals gear up for spring training in Surprise, Arizona, the focus is on the future - but there’s still a group of familiar faces from the past who haven’t yet found their next stop. While the Royals’ pitchers and catchers will report on February 11 (with World Baseball Classic participants arriving two days earlier), and the full squad gets together on February 16, several former Royals remain unsigned as free agents with the 2026 regular season fast approaching.
Some of these veterans could find homes soon as teams finalize rosters, while others might be waiting a bit longer - or potentially watching Opening Day from the sidelines. Let’s take a closer look at a few ex-Royals still on the market and what they bring to the table.
Carlos Santana - 1B/DH
When the Royals signed Carlos Santana after the 2020 season, the move was part of a continuing effort to fill the void left by Eric Hosmer’s departure. Santana delivered a solid 2021 campaign, launching 19 home runs and driving in 69 runs while holding things down at first base.
But by mid-2022, the Royals were ready to turn the page. Santana was traded to Seattle to make room for emerging slugger Vinnie Pasquantino, and since then, he’s become something of a baseball nomad. Over the past few seasons, he’s suited up for six different teams - including the Mariners, Pirates, Brewers, Twins, Guardians, and Cubs.
In 2025, splitting time between Cleveland and Chicago, Santana hit 11 homers and drove in 54 runs, though his overall slash line of .219/.308/.325 suggests his best offensive days may be behind him. Still, the 16-year veteran reportedly has interest from Arizona, and his experience and switch-hitting bat could be a fit for a team looking for depth at DH or first base.
Scott Barlow - RHP, Relief Pitcher
At one point, Scott Barlow was one of the most reliable arms in the Royals’ bullpen. He racked up 56 saves during his time in Kansas City, including 24 in 2022, before being dealt to the Padres at the 2023 trade deadline in exchange for a pair of minor league arms.
Barlow’s journey didn’t stop there. He made 25 appearances for San Diego before being traded again - this time to Cleveland in the offseason.
His 2024 campaign with the Guardians saw some struggles, posting a 4.25 ERA over 63 games. He followed that with a slightly improved 4.21 ERA while going 6-3 for the Reds in 2025.
While there’s no indication Kansas City is interested in a reunion, Barlow’s track record as a late-inning option could make him an appealing target for teams looking to solidify their bullpen depth.
Adam Frazier - Utility Man
If there’s one name on this list who seems likely to land a job soon, it’s Adam Frazier. The versatile veteran spent all of 2024 and part of 2025 with the Royals, and while he struggled in his first stint (.202 average, .282 OBP), he found his rhythm after returning in a midseason trade with Pittsburgh.
In that second go-round with Kansas City, Frazier hit .283 with four homers and 23 RBI, and his improved performance at the plate was matched by his defensive flexibility. He’s played every infield and outfield position during his career - the kind of versatility that teams love, especially when injuries start piling up.
Frazier is entering his 11th big league season, and whether it’s with the Royals or another club, it’s hard to imagine he’ll stay on the market for long.
MJ Melendez - OF/DH
MJ Melendez’s big league journey has been a rollercoaster. After a monster 2021 in the minors - 41 homers, 103 RBI, and a .288/.386/.625 slash line - expectations were sky-high. But in the majors, the power has been there in flashes (he averaged 16 homers from 2022 to 2024), while consistency at the plate has been elusive.
His career MLB average sits at .215 with a .297 OBP over more than 1,600 plate appearances, and a brutal start to the 2025 season (5-for-60) led to a demotion back to Triple-A Omaha. To his credit, Melendez responded by hitting 20 homers and driving in 64 runs in the minors - a reminder that the raw tools are still there.
He’s still just 27, and while he may not be the centerpiece he once projected to be, there’s enough upside for a team to take a flier and see if a change of scenery can unlock his potential.
Tommy Pham - OF/DH
Tommy Pham is no stranger to new uniforms. The veteran outfielder has played for 10 teams since debuting with the Cardinals in 2014, and his brief stint with the Royals two seasons ago didn’t leave much of an impression. In 23 games, he posted a .228/.250/.337 line - numbers that didn’t exactly scream “long-term fit.”
But Pham rebounded with a more productive 2025 campaign in Pittsburgh, hitting 10 home runs and driving in 52 runs while slashing .245/.330/.370 over 120 games. He’s still a capable corner outfielder and designated hitter, and his fiery, competitive personality has been known to spark clubhouses.
That said, a return to Kansas City doesn’t seem to be in the cards, but there’s still a role for Pham somewhere - especially on a team looking for a veteran presence and a little extra pop.
Final Thoughts
As the Royals turn the page and look ahead to 2026 with a mix of young talent and returning veterans, these former players find themselves at a career crossroads. Some, like Frazier and Santana, could help a contender in need of experience.
Others, like Melendez, are still trying to prove they belong. And for guys like Barlow and Pham, the question is whether there’s one more chapter left to write.
Spring training is just around the corner - and for these ex-Royals, the clock is ticking.