The last time we saw pitcher Alec Marsh on the mound, the Royals were gunning for a playoff spot in September of 2024. The next time we see him may not be until 2027.
MLB.com reporter Anne Rogers reports
Marsh had labrum surgery last month and is expected to miss most, if not all of the 2026 season with a year-long recovery. Marsh has shown flashes of brilliance when he has been healthy, although his numbers have been marked with inconsistency, particularly with the long ball. He had a 4.53 ERA in 26 games in 2024, 25 of them being starts. He struck out 8.6 per nine innings and significantly lowered his walk rate. The former second-round pick has pitched in two seasons with the Royals with a career 4.96 ERA in 203.1 innings.
Marsh felt shoulder tightness last off-season and began this season on the Injured List with a right shoulder impingement. However, he faced setbacks in his recovery and never even made a rehab appearance. Marsh turns 28 next May and he will be eligible for arbitration for the first time after next season.
The Royals will have to decide if they want to keep Marsh on the 40-man roster all offseason. He must be activated from the 60-day Injured List this week, but with such an uncertain return date, he may not be worth retaining for that long. The Royals have built up some good starting pitching depth, acquiring Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek, and Bailey Falter this summer to join Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Kris Bubic, Michael Wacha, and Noah Cameron. Kyle Wright could also be an option, although he missed the entire season with injury and is eligible for arbitration this winter.
