The Kansas City Royals are busily preparing for the 2017 season, coming in and out of the weekend making a flurry of roster moves. On Friday afternoon, the Royals announced that the team has exercised contract options on right-handed reliever Wade Davis and veteran shortstop Alcides Escobar, moves expected to bring both back to KC next year.
In a move that will likely mean the end of the road in Kansas City for designated hitter Kendrys Morales and right-handed starter Edinson Volquez, both players declined their mutual options. Morales and Volquez will both hit the open market today (Tuesday), with the Royals receiving zero reimbursement in the form of draft picks if they sign elsewhere.
The Royals also have declined the mutual option on right-handed pitcher Kris Medlen, after he exercised his portion of the mutual option. Like Morales and Volquez, Medlen becomes a free agent, and is available to sign with any club, beginning today. Also likely to depart Kansas City is Luke Hochevar, who had his mutual option declined by the Royals on Friday afternoon. Hochevar is free to sign with any team beginning today.
Kansas City has reinstated pitchers Tim Collins and Mike Minor and third baseman Mike Moustakas on the 60-day disabled list, bringing the Royals 40 man roster to 39 players.