A decade later, will the Royals finally get to see their drafted talent on the opening day roster? Kameron Misner's journey back to Kansas City is a story of dreams coming full circle, and it's sparking excitement about his potential impact this season.
For Misner, the prospect of playing close to home is more than just a convenience; it's a deeply cherished aspiration. "It means everything," he shared, emphasizing, "This is ultimately where I want to be."
This isn't Misner's first brush with the Kansas City Royals. The Poplar Bluff native has a history with the organization, as they originally selected him in the 33rd round of the 2016 MLB Draft. However, at that time, a different path beckoned. Misner made the difficult decision to forgo the professional route and instead pursued a college education on a baseball scholarship at the University of Missouri. This choice proved to be a wise one, as he went on to earn 2017 Freshman All-American honors and set impressive career milestones during his junior year. His collegiate success led to him being chosen by the Miami Marlins in the first round of the 2019 draft.
Seven years on, Misner looks back on his decision with no regrets. He has since made his MLB debut with the Tampa Bay Rays, and now, this spring, he has a compelling opportunity right in his hometown with the Royals – a moment he describes as a true "full-circle moment."
"I'm familiar with everything," Misner remarked about rejoining the Royals. "You know, I played against a lot of these guys, and it's an easy clubhouse to come into. All the guys are good and nice. I feel right at home."
Misner was acquired in an offseason trade and has been added to the Royals' 40-man roster to bolster their outfield depth. He'll have the chance to compete for a bench spot this spring as the club finalizes its 26-man roster.
At first glance, Misner possesses all the desirable physical attributes for an outfielder. Standing at 6-foot-4 with genuine left-handed hitting ability, he's shown solid performance in Royals camp, showcasing his versatility and offensive potential.
Last season, Misner appeared in 71 games with the Rays, batting .213 with five home runs and 22 RBIs. The Royals plan to utilize him across all three outfield positions, with his defensive intensity and commitment to playing hard being key strengths.
"You know, I take a lot of pride in defense," Misner stated. "I think if you are a bad defender, you are usually a pretty selfish teammate. So I take a lot of pride in defense. And, you know, it's not about you, it's about the team. It starts with the defense."
Misner will receive ample opportunities this spring, especially with several Royals participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This will provide him with chances to impress the coaching staff with both his defensive adaptability and developing offense.
So far this spring, Misner has played in seven games. He is among a competitive group of left-handed hitters vying for a roster spot, including Michael Massey, John Rave, and Josh Rojas.
The Royals also have to navigate their existing outfield composition. The team anticipates Isaac Collins in left field, Kyle Isbel in center, and Jac Caglianone in right. Lane Thomas and the recently signed Starling Marte will also be available off the bench.
But here's where it gets potentially tricky... Misner still has minor-league options remaining. This means he might start the season in Triple-A Omaha if he doesn't secure an opening day roster spot. Is this a strategic move to develop him further, or a sign that the Royals are hesitant about his immediate readiness?
"You know, I'm just here to play and do anything the team needs," Misner said. "So that's kind of my mindset."
Given the Royals' reputation for utilizing their entire roster, there's a strong likelihood that Misner will see playing time at Kauffman Stadium at some point during the 2026 campaign. He's clearly grateful for this chance, expressing, "Here we are, how many years later, and I'm in the locker room. I'm very happy about it."
This story was originally published March 3, 2026 at 1:50 PM.
Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star
What do you think? Should Kameron Misner be given a spot on the opening day roster, or is a stint in Triple-A the more prudent path for his development? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
