The Kansas City Royals today announced they have acquired right-handed pitcher Mitch Spence from the Athletics for right-handed pitcher A.J. Causey, who was in camp as a non-roster invite. Spence was designated for assignment by the A’s on Tuesday.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Spence, the Royals placed right-handed pitcher Alec Marsh on the 60-day Injured List.
Spence, 27, pitched the last two seasons with the Athletics. Prior to the 2024 season, he was selected 1st overall from the Yankees in the Rule 5 Draft and spent his entire Major League debut season on the A’s roster, making 35 appearances (24 starts). He made his 1st 11 appearances in relief, before moving to the starting rotation in May.
In 2025 with the Athletics, Spence made 32 appearances (8 starts). He made his 1st 22 appearances in relief, during which he posted a 4.38 ERA (19 ER in 39.0 IP). He moved into the starting rotation on June 5 and made 7 starts before being optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas. He remained there until returning to the big league team on Sept. 10.
In 236.0 innings over two big league seasons, Spence has issued just 70 walks (2.7 BB/9). He was originally selected by the Yankees in the 10th round of the 2019 Draft.
Causey, 23, was in his first big league camp with the Royals this spring, after going 11-5 with 9 saves in 48 appearances last season between High-A Quad Cities and Double-A Northwest Arkansas, and pitched to a 1.72 ERA (14 ER in 73.1 IP). Causey made 9 appearances for Surprise in the 2025 Arizona Fall League and had a 7.45 ERA (8 ER in 9.2 IP). He was originally selected by Kansas City in the 5th round of the 2024 Draft.