Royals Acquire RHP Mitch Spence in Trade with Athletics

Kansas City adds pitching depth by trading for right-hander Mitch Spence

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Kansas City Royals have acquired right-handed pitcher Mitch Spence from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for right-hander A.J. Causey. Spence, who was previously selected by the A's in the Rule 5 draft, has spent the past two seasons with the team, going 3-6 with a 5.10 ERA in 32 appearances in 2025.

Why it matters

The Royals are looking to bolster their pitching staff ahead of the upcoming season, and the addition of Spence provides them with additional depth and options in the bullpen and rotation. Spence's Rule 5 status also means the Royals must keep him on their major league roster, adding further incentive to give him an opportunity.

The details

To make room for Spence on the 40-man roster, the Royals have placed right-hander Alec Marsh on the 60-day injured list. Causey, who was in Royals camp as a non-roster invitee, heads to the Athletics organization in the deal.

  • The trade was completed on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • Spence was previously designated for assignment by the Athletics on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Mitch Spence

A right-handed pitcher who was selected by the Athletics in the Rule 5 draft before the 2024 season and has spent the past two years with the team.

A.J. Causey

A right-handed pitcher who was in Royals camp as a non-roster invitee and has now been traded to the Athletics organization.

Alec Marsh

A right-handed pitcher for the Royals who has been placed on the 60-day injured list to make room for Spence on the 40-man roster.

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What’s next

The Royals will look to integrate Spence into their pitching staff and provide him with an opportunity to contribute at the major league level during the upcoming season.

The takeaway

This trade represents a low-risk move for the Royals to add pitching depth and potentially uncover a useful arm, while the Athletics continue to manage their roster and assets in the ongoing rebuilding process.