#minor-leagues

#minor-leagues

The Royals announced that they have acquired right-hander Mason Black from the Giants. Minor league righty Logan Martin heads in the other direction. The Giants designated Black for assignment last week. The Royals' 40-man roster count climbs from 36 to 37. Black, 26 next month, joins a new organization for the first time in his career. The Giants took him with a third-round pick in 2021. As he climbed the minor league ladder, he was generally regarded as one of the club's top ten prospects.

Coming into the year, he had actually done well in Double-A at the end of 2024, with a strikeout rate approaching a third of batters faced, and a walk rate just barely above 10 percent. The assumption was probably something like a nice, long look in Spring Training, and then Triple-A to start the year before getting called up after a few months.

Roman Anthony is finalizing an 8-year deal worth $130 million that could increase another $100 million based on performance, indicating significant trust in his potential.

Noah Syndergaard was released by the Chicago White Sox after making six minor league starts, failing to progress to the major leagues.

The Toronto Blue Jays have had talented players, but fewer were drafted by the team, with even less being first-round picks.

Blake Sabol was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations after being designated for assignment and sent to the minors.

Kenedy Corona, a 25-year-old outfielder, was recalled by the Astros, filling the roster spot vacated by first baseman Christian Walker, who is on the paternity list.

Ceddanne Rafaela received his call-up and showcased his defensive potential, indicating he could evolve into a top-tier center fielder, reminiscent of past Red Sox greats.

Sam Benschoter was selected from Triple-A Louisville, now part of the Reds' 40-man roster. Previously an undrafted free agent, he has shown improvement in 2025.

Montgomery has returned to form, hitting .276/.382/.586 with a .969 OPS in 16 games since rejoining the Knights, showcasing significant improvement after earlier struggles.

Velázquez, a power-hitting outfielder, struggled early this year, with his performance in Omaha indicating a decline in both batting and on-base percentages.

Infielder David Villar has been elected free agency after being ousted by the Giants, marking a significant turn in his career.

It's never too early to start planning for your future.

Ronny continues to progress. Still in Double-A. We'll get him up to Triple-A here pretty soon. It's just play all three [positions] on the infield, continue to build up volume.