Kaiser is a local product who was born in nearby Overland Park and played his high school ball in Stilwell, Kansas. Signing with his hometown team is a nice early birthday present for Kaiser (who turns 29 on Nov. 20) and perhaps a chance to win a bench job in Spring Training. His primary position as shortstop is obviously covered by Bobby Witt Jr.but Kaiser has experience at all four spots on the floor and could slot himself into the Royals’ uncertain second base picture.
A third-round pick for the Pirates in the 2018 draft, Kaiser’s MLB resume includes three games with the Rockies in 2023 and 11 games with the Diamondbacks last season. Arizona signed Kaiser to a minors contract last winter and he got some playing time in the Show after the D’Backs dealt starters Eugene Suarez And Josh Naylor at the trade deadline and beyond Lourdes Gurriel Jr. suffered a torn cruciate ligament in early September. During Kaiser’s brief stint, he recorded his first two career Major League hits, but his career slash line over 23 plate appearances is just .091/.130/.136.
Through 1,006 career PA at the Triple-A level, Kaiser has hit .230/.347/.378 with 21 home runs and 23 steals (in 28 attempts). These modest numbers are slightly lower considering Kaiser’s Triple-A career has spent most of his career in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Known as a strong outfielder, Kaiser’s defense and versatility could be the key to the playing time he earns with the Royals in 2026, although it helps that he still has all three minor league options.
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