Kansas City Royals
· 2026-07-15
The Kansas City Royals swung a deal Tuesday to add right-handed pitcher Easton McGee, bringing in the 28-year-old from the Milwaukee Brewers for cash considerations.
Kansas City optioned McGee immediately to Triple-A Omaha after the trade. The Royals also moved right-hander Nick Mears to the 60-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement, clearing a 40-man roster spot.
McGee had been designated for assignment by Milwaukee last week. He tossed one scoreless inning in the majors this season before being sent down. In 2026, he posted a 5.62 ERA with 43 strikeouts over 41.2 innings at Triple-A Nashville.
The Royals enter the All-Star break at 38-59 on a five-game losing streak after losing 8-2 at Baltimore on July 12. Injuries have hammered the pitching staff all season, leaving Kansas City scrambling for reliable arms.
McGee owns a 3.08 ERA in 26.1 career MLB innings despite spending most of the last two seasons in Triple-A. He still has a minor league option left, so the Royals can shuttle him between Omaha and the majors as needed.
For Milwaukee, the deal turns a pitcher without a 40-man spot into cash. The Brewers freed up roster space while getting something in return for a player they no longer needed.
Kansas City won’t likely stop here before the July 31 trade deadline. The Royals are still evaluating the roster with a second-half push in mind.
McGee could rejoin the majors later this season if the bullpen or rotation needs another arm. His addition gives the club another controllable pitcher as it weighs deadline moves.