Royals Release Veteran Catcher Jorge Alfaro
The 33-year-old catcher enters free agency after failing to reach the majors during his 2026 stint in Kansas City.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Baseball
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Should the Royals prioritize high-contact hitters over players with power but high strikeout rates?
The Kansas City Royals have released veteran catcher Jorge Alfaro from their minor league roster. Alfaro, 33, did not appear in any Major League Baseball games for the club during the 2026 season.
Why it matters
Alfaro will now explore opportunities with new teams as a free agent following a season spent exclusively in the minor leagues. His departure leaves the Royals to continue relying on their established rotation of catchers used throughout the year.
During the 2026 season, Alfaro recorded 15 home runs across 62 games with the Royals' minor league affiliates. He previously posted a 75.9 mph average bat speed and a 113.3 mph maximum exit velocity in 2025.
The players
Jorge Alfaro
A 33-year-old veteran catcher who has appeared in parts of nine Major League Baseball seasons.
Kansas City Royals
A professional baseball team based in Kansas City that competes in the American League Central division.
The details
Alfaro signed a minor league deal with Kansas City in December 2025 but was unable to secure a spot in the big league lineup, which featured catchers Salvador Perez, Carter Jensen, Elias Diaz, and Luke Maile. The veteran catcher also represented Team Colombia in the World Baseball Classic during the spring.
Timeline
December 2025: Jorge Alfaro signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals.
Spring 2026: Jorge Alfaro played for Team Colombia in the World Baseball Classic.
2026 season: Jorge Alfaro played in 62 games for the organization's minor league affiliates.
October 26, 2026: The Kansas City Royals officially released Jorge Alfaro.
Season Trajectory
This roster move occurs within the framework of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, reflecting the typical offseason personnel adjustments made by clubs. The move clarifies the Royals' depth chart as the organization transitions into the winter months.
The move formally removes Alfaro from the Kansas City organizational depth chart at the catcher position. His availability as a free agent allows other teams to pursue him to bolster their own 40-man roster depth.
The takeaway
Alfaro must now look to demonstrate improved contact metrics to secure a major league role after a high-strikeout year in the minors. Veterans seeking to re-establish themselves often look for organizations with available space in their secondary catching rotation.
Further reading
For more news on local professional play, visit the Kansas City Baseball section.
Live Poll
Should the Royals prioritize high-contact hitters over players with power but high strikeout rates?
