Royals Get Some Infield Help From Waiver Wire

The Kansas City Royals began what promises to be a modest off-season shopping spree by claiming infielder Joaquin Arias off the waiver wire.

Arias, 26, had been a backup infielder for four seasons with Texas before being traded, along with cash, to the Mets for Jeff Francoeur last season. He’s a career .276 hitter, playing mostly as a backup, and has yet to hit a major league home run.

Arias projects to be a solid middle-infield backup for Kansas City, mainly as the second-string shortstop behind Yuniesky Betancourt.

With the acquisition of Arias, the Royals now have a full 40-man roster. The team would have to make a move to free up a space if they wish to participate in December’s Rule 5 draft.

Matt Kelsey is a Royals writer and the content editor for I-70 Baseball. He can be reached at mattkelsey@i70baseball.com.