Mizzou product Misner enjoying real homecoming with Royals

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KANSAS CITY -- Kameron Misner grew up in Poplar Bluff, Mo., attended the University of Missouri and is now playing for one of the two professional baseball teams in the state of Missouri, with the Royals calling him up on Wednesday.

What does that mean to him?

“It means everything,” Misner said. “It’s kind of hard to beat.”

The 28-year-old outfielder was originally a Royals draftee, with the team selecting him in the 33rd round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Poplar Bluff High School -- located in the southeast corner of the state.

Misner didn’t sign, opting to attend the University of Missouri, where he played himself into a first-rounder. As one of the most athletic college bats in the 2019 MLB Draft, Misner went to the Marlins at No. 35 overall. He became the first Mizzou position player to be selected before the second round since 1971, when catcher Steve Patchin was taken by the Dodgers at No. 20 overall in the secondary phase.

“I didn’t really get too many offers, so when Mizzou did offer me, it was really big,” Misner said. “Being in-state, being a Mizzou fan, it meant a lot to go there.”

Misner is looking forward to finally welcoming his family to Kauffman Stadium this weekend; his entire immediate family was on a fishing trip in Canada when he got called to the Majors. Their cell service up north was a bit spotty, but Misner was able to get word to them that he was headed to the big leagues -- and their trip will end at Kauffman Stadium to see him play.

Misner played two seasons in the Marlins’ organization before being traded to the Rays, where he eventually made his debut in 2024. The Royals acquired him this past offseason, completing a full-circle moment. They had to call on their depth when Kyle Isbel (left plantar fasciitis) was placed on the injured list on Wednesday, and Misner was their first choice.

Misner could get an extended look, too, as a left-handed option for the Royals to use in all three outfield spots or off the bench, including as a basestealer. He was raking in Triple-A with a .276/.373/.547 slash line, and Misner was just named International League Player of the Week after going 10-for-24 during the week of June 1-7, with three doubles, five home runs, two stolen bases and four multihit games in the six-game series against Columbus (Guardians).

“Good things happen when I barrel the ball, like anybody,” Misner said. “Just wanted to barrel the ball more consistently. And just play, have fun, barrel some balls and enjoy the game. ... I have a lot of confidence in my play right now.”

The Royals are hoping that confidence continues in the big leagues. Misner has always been an elite defender, specifically in center field, but he’s had a tougher time finding consistency at the plate, flashing some power but striking out at too high of a clip. The Royals wanted to try to unlock some of that offense in Triple-A and see if it can translate to the big leagues. He’ll split time in center field with Lane Thomas, although both can play all three outfield spots.

“We feel really good about him as an all-around player,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “Really good defender, baserunner. Can steal a base. Hit with power. He’s coming up being in a good spot offensively with Player of the Week last week in the International League. We acquired him in the offseason, because we thought he could really defend and offer a lot from the left side of the plate.”