The Royals released the roster of 60 players who will start in their club group, according to the terms of the new roster rules for this shorter season. The list includes top prospects Brady Singer, Jackson Kowar, Daniel Lynch, Kris Bubic, and Bobby Witt. Jr. Not included was 2020 first-round pick Asa Lacy. The group of clubs includes the list of players who can be part of the active list this year.
Just because a player is in the 60-man group doesn’t mean he’s likely to play in the big leagues this year. Given that the minor league season seems unlikely, this may be the only way that some players can get some sort of action in the game, and will provide an opportunity for the Royals coaching staff to oversee the development of the best. prospects like Witt, who has not yet done so. completes his first full professional season.
The 60-man club pool will be able to train at Kauffman Stadium and prepare for the season, which will probably start around July 24. Players will be screened for the coronavirus on Wednesday and will be cleared to practice on Friday, July 3.
The Royals will have to complete an active roster of 30 men by the start of the season, which will drop to 28 after the 15th day of the season, and then to 26 after the 28th day. The remaining players will form a squad of taxis that the Royals can use them as reservations for the active list. Players who move in and out of the active roster will continue to be subject to the same option, 40 player roster requirements and exemption rules as any other year.
Teams can carry up to three taxi squad players on the road with them, one of which has to be a catcher. Players in the taxi squad will not accrue service time or receive MLB salaries, nor should they be on the typical 40-man reserve list. Players can be added to the 60-man club group list at any time, but players on the 40-man list can only be removed by removing exemptions, and players on the No. 40-man list can only be removed if they are released.
