Royals, Athletics Swap Pitchers Ahead of Spring Training

Kansas City acquires RHP Mitch Spence from Oakland in exchange for RHP AJ Causey

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics have made a pitcher-for-pitcher trade ahead of the upcoming MLB spring training season. The Royals have acquired right-handed pitcher Mitch Spence from the Athletics in exchange for right-handed prospect AJ Causey.

Why it matters

This trade allows both teams to add different pitching talent to their organizations as they prepare for the new season. The Royals are looking to bolster their bullpen, while the Athletics are acquiring a prospect who could contribute down the line.

The details

Spence, a 10th-round pick by the New York Yankees in 2019, spent the last two seasons with the Athletics. He saw significant innings in 2024 but was moved to the bullpen in 2025. The Royals likely see him as a potential bullpen arm who could split time between the majors and minors. In the deal, the Athletics receive Causey, a 5th-round pick by the Royals in 2024 who has gone 11-5 with 9 saves and a 1.72 ERA over the past two seasons.

  • The trade was announced on February 12, 2026, ahead of the start of MLB spring training.

The players

Mitch Spence

A right-handed pitcher acquired by the Kansas City Royals from the Oakland Athletics.

AJ Causey

A right-handed pitching prospect traded by the Kansas City Royals to the Oakland Athletics.

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What’s next

The players involved in the trade will report to their new teams' spring training camps to compete for roster spots ahead of the 2026 MLB season.

The takeaway

This trade represents an opportunity for both the Royals and Athletics to add new pitching talent to their organizations as they prepare for the upcoming season. The deal allows each team to target specific needs and acquire players they believe can contribute to their respective rosters.