After a turbulent comeback attempt, Kansas City must weigh the right-hander's All-Star potential against his rocky injury history to determine his future in a rebuilding rotation.
Tony Gonsolin’s return to the major leagues lasted less than three innings, but the Kansas City Royals may have seen enough to make his offseason an interesting one.
The 32-year-old right-hander made just one appearance for Kansas City after signing with the club in August, allowing five runs over 2 2/3 innings against the White Sox in September after a stint in Triple-A. He was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday because of an allergic reaction, ending his brief stint with the Royals before the regular-season finale.
The injury itself won't carry any weight into the offseason. As noted on the Royals' injury report, the move was essentially made to open up space for a fresh bullpen arm in James McArthur. Gonsolin is expected to be fine, and the reaction will not affect his normal offseason routine.
What matters more is what Kansas City believes he could become with a full offseason to prepare.
Gonsolin arrived in Kansas City after a lengthy recovery from internal brace surgery on his right elbow in 2025. He had already undergone Tommy John surgery, which cost him the entire 2024 season, making his September return another step in a career that has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries.
But before the injuries, Gonsolin looked like a potential future ace of the Dodgers' rotation. He opened his official rookie season with 16 2/3 scoreless innings and finished 2022 with a stellar 16-1 record and 2.14 ERA, earning his lone All-Star nod.
That version of Gonsolin is a far cry from the pitcher who struggled through his first Royals outing, but the organization now has an opportunity to evaluate whether there is still something worth pursuing.
Gonsolin acknowledged the situation when he first arrived in Kansas City.
“Essentially, I’m trying out for next year,” he told MLB.com's Robert Falkoff. "Just looking forward to the excitement and the adrenaline."
That made the final week of the season particularly important, even if the results against Chicago weren't what he wanted. Gonsolin worked two scoreless innings before running into trouble in the third, when walks and fastball execution became issues.
“Don't walk guys, that's what I took from it,” Gonsolin said after the appearance. “The fastball execution isn't entirely there, so that's something to work on.”
The Royals have a clear need for pitching depth heading into 2027. Kansas City's rotation was hit hard by injuries this season, and the club will be looking for multiple starters to help stabilize the group. Gonsolin is among the pitchers who could compete for a spot, though his limited work in September leaves plenty of questions about what he can provide.
There is also a contractual decision ahead. Gonsolin has a club option for 2027, giving the Royals a way to retain him if they believe the upside is worth another opportunity.
His first appearance was hardly conclusive. After two major elbow surgeries and so much time away, one difficult outing doesn't tell Kansas City everything it needs to know.
The Royals now have the offseason to decide whether Gonsolin's comeback deserves another chapter in Kansas City.
