Royals Turn to Youth in Hopes of Fueling Playoff Push with Latest Roster Moves
The Kansas City Royals are leaning heavily into their youth movement as they look to ignite a late-season surge toward the playoffs. 
Following a lifeless 5-0 defeat to the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, the Royals made it clear they’re pulling out all the stops for the final month of the season by promoting some of their top young talent.
Royals Add Carter Jensen, Jac Caglianone, and Luinder Avila
On Sunday evening, the team announced a trio of moves: they plan to select catcher Carter Jensen from Triple-A Omaha for his MLB debut, activate Jac Caglianone from the injured list, and recall right-handed pitcher Luinder Avila. With these additions, Kansas City will need to make a corresponding move Monday to meet the 28-man roster limit.
Jensen, a Kansas City native and 2021 third-round pick, has been outstanding this season—especially since his promotion to Triple-A, where he’s posted a 1.051 OPS and hit 14 homers in just 43 games. Ranked as the Royals’ No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline, he adds an interesting wrinkle to the team’s future at catcher, as top prospect Blake Mitchell (currently No. 1) is also a backstop. With Salvador Perez entering the final year of his contract in 2026, the Royals’ long-term plans behind the plate may soon come into focus.
Caglianone, who plays both outfield and first base, is returning from a hamstring injury suffered in late July. While he struggled in his earlier big league stint—batting just .147 with a .485 OPS over 41 games—he impressed during his Triple-A rehab assignment and will get another shot to prove himself.
Avila, 23, brings strikeout potential to the bullpen, having fanned 61 batters in 53.1 innings with Triple-A Omaha this season. However, his 5.23 ERA raises questions about immediate effectiveness. He has just one inning of MLB experience so far.
The Royals are hoping this injection of young talent can provide the spark needed to stay in the playoff race—and potentially shape the foundation of the team’s future.
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