A former Royals pitcher is signing with the Dodgers.
The Kansas City Royals have had a respectable offseason for the most part. However, a pitcher who spent part of the 2025 season in their organization is reportedly signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to Ari Alexander, right-handed pitcher Nick Robertson is signing a minor league deal with LA.
Robertson, 27, was originally drafted by Los Angeles and would later make his big league debut with the Dodgers in 2023. During the '23 campaign, however, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox. He has since spent time in the organizations of a number of ball clubs, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros and Royals.
Robertson was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays early in the 2025 season and ultimately landed with the Astros. After struggling in Triple-A for the most part, he was released in August and ultimately signed a minor league contract with the Royals.
The addition made sense for Kansas City. Robertson was a fairly young pitcher who just had not figured things out yet, but the potential was still present. In Triple-A, though, he pitched to a 4.41 ERA across nine appearances out of the bullpen. In November, the right-handed hurler elected free agency.
A reunion remained a possibility. Pitching depth never hurts to have and Robertson is certainly young enough to become a reliable big league pitcher. However, the Dodgers are reportedly set to give him another opportunity.
Former Royals Pitcher Nick Robertson Set to Join Dodgers
Sure, losing Robertson in free agency will not derail the Royals' 2026 season. The addition also won't make the Dodgers' campaign. He is an intriguing pitcher, though. If his pitching coaches can help him take a step forward with his mechanics, Nick Robertson could realistically emerge as a quality MLB reliever.
The Dodgers happen to be known for getting the most out of pitchers. They have helped a number of hurlers over the years either get back on track or figure things out for the first time at the big league level.
Re-signing with Los Angeles makes plenty of sense for Robertson. Still, the Royals may have benefited from re-signing him.
Nevertheless, Kansas City will move forward as the offseason continues. The Royals are a candidate to make a splash before spring training, as they have been linked to stars in trade rumors such as Jarren Duran and Brendan Donovan.