KC Royals round out 2024 opening day roster: Here’s who earned the final spots

The Kansas City Royals have put the final touches on their 2024 opening-day roster. On Saturday, Royals manager Matt Quatraro informed Nick Loftin, Dairon Blanco and Matt Sauer that they have made the team.

“We got to everybody today,” Quatraro said. “They all know Loftin and Blanco will be on the opening day roster and we are going to keep Sauer.”

Each player will experience opening day for the first time. Sauer takes the final bullpen spot while Loftin and Blanco will earn roster spots.

Additionally, the Royals are expected to place second baseman Michael Massey on the injured list with lower back tightness.

“Nothing is going to be official yet, but we think that’s probably the best course for him to make sure he is fully healthy,” Quatraro said.

Loftin, 25, is slated to play multiple positions. He is set for a utility role and could see playing time at first, second and third base. He can also play the outfield in certain situations as needed.

Loftin made his Major League Baseball debut last season. He produced a .323 batting average with 20 hits, 10 RBIs and an .803 OPS (on-base plus slugging) in 19 games. Loftin is ranked the Royals’ No. 2 overall prospect, per MLB.com.

“Very thankful for the opportunity,” Loftin said. “Take the most of it and just enjoy it. I told them before that all I know in the big leagues right now is winning, especially, what we did in September. And that’s my expectation from day one. So, I’m ready to get started.”

Blanco, 30, returns for another season with the Royals. He provides value as a pinch runner and late-innings defensive replacement. The Royals like to utilize his speed to create havoc on the basepaths.

“We saw firsthand what he can do to impact the game, especially on the bases but defensively (as well),” Quatraro said. “You know, laying down bunts. And then, when he puts together good at-bats, he’s dynamic.”

Blanco hit .258 with 32 hits, three home runs, 18 RBIs, and 24 steals. He recorded a .324 on-base percentage and was caught stealing five times. Defensively, Blanco had four outfield assists and didn’t commit an error.

“It’s a big step for me in my life,” Blanco said via interpreter Jose Alguacil. “Being able to be on the opening-day roster is something that is huge. What I want to do is just help out the team.”

Blanco dealt with a mild calf strain earlier in camp. However, he feels healthy and ready to contribute with the Royals.

He also has a lofty goal in mind.

“I want to steal more than 40 bases,” Blanco said.

Sauer has earned the final bullpen spot. He will make his MLB debut with the Royals this season after never pitching above the Double-A level.

The Royals acquired him in the 2023 MLB Rule 5 Draft. Sauer began his career in the New York Yankees organization. He must remain on the active 26-man roster for the entire season or be offered back to the Yankees for $50,000, per MLB rules.

Sauer, 25, put together a strong spring. Prior to Saturday’s game, Sauer posted a 2.00 ERA in seven games and recorded 11 strikeouts. He allowed three runs (two earned) in Cactus League play.

The Royals noticed Sauer improving in camp. He had some initial nerves but got better with each opportunity.

“He’s growing,” Quatraro said. “You know, he’s very mature. He is somebody that we think has major league stuff and deserves an opportunity.”

Sauer is expected to start Saturday’s spring finale against the Texas Rangers. There is a chance he can work multiple innings out of the bullpen during the regular season.

The Royals’ roster will become official on Thursday. KC doesn’t expect Massey to have a long stint on the injured list.

“He’s not being shut down by any means,” Quatraro said. “Hopefully, he keeps progressing right into the next week and he doesn’t really miss a beat.”

Meanwhile, the Royals expect relievers Carlos Hernandez (right shoulder impingement), Jake Brentz (left hamstring strain) and Josh Taylor (left biceps soreness) will be on the injured list to begin the season.