Royals Make a Tough Call on Cavan Biggio

In a surprising move on Friday, the Kansas City Royals announced that infielder/outfielder Cavan Biggio has been designated for assignment. This shift opens up a spot on their 40-man roster for reliever Hunter Harvey, who has been activated from the 60-day injured list.

Biggio's Struggles and Minor League Success

At 30, Biggio entered the season with the Royals on a minor league contract but struggled to find his rhythm on the big league stage. He started the season on the Opening Day roster but managed a disappointing .174/.296/.246 batting line in limited appearances. Consequently, he was optioned to the minors in late May—a move confirmed by his consent due to his veteran status.

While playing for Triple-A Omaha, Biggio has shown signs of resurgence, boasting a solid .285/.375/.464 offensive line and a 120 wRC+. Despite his success at this level, the Royals have not called him back up, indicating he may not fit into their immediate plans.

What Went Wrong for Biggio?

Biggio initially gained attention in his debut season in 2019, where his keen plate discipline helped him hit 16 home runs, with a 16.5% walk rate. However, as pitchers recognized his tendencies, they began to challenge him more aggressively, particularly with pitches in the strike zone—rising from 49.8% in his rookie year to nearly 60% in later seasons. This change has contributed to a declining performance, evidenced by a rough .214/.323/.342 line and 90 wRC+ since the start of 2021.

Could Biggio Find a New Opportunity?

Despite his rocky ride with the Royals, Biggio’s versatility remains a valuable asset; he can play nearly every position on the field, with the exception of the battery roles. His minor league turnaround could catch the eye of teams looking to deepen their roster ahead of the upcoming trade deadline.

Now awaiting his fate in DFA limbo, which typically lasts up to a week, Biggio's experience and potential might make him an attractive option for clubs scouting for veteran depth.