Royals, Athletics Swap Pitchers in Surprise Trade

Royals acquire Mitch Spence, Athletics get AJ Causey in bullpen-boosting move

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics have agreed on a pitcher-for-pitcher trade, with the Royals receiving right-handed pitcher Mitch Spence and the Athletics acquiring right-handed pitcher AJ Causey. The trade aims to address specific bullpen needs for each side as both teams prepare for the upcoming MLB season.

Why it matters

This trade highlights each team's focus on tailoring their pitching rosters to fit their immediate and long-term goals. The Royals add experience and flexibility with Spence, while the Athletics invest in a young pitcher with a strong minor league track record.

The details

Mitch Spence, who was initially drafted by the New York Yankees, joins the Royals after spending part of the 2024 season with the Athletics. Spence is expected to provide bullpen support and may split time between Triple-A and the major league roster. In exchange, the Athletics received AJ Causey, a fifth-round pick by the Royals in 2024, who has compiled an impressive 11-5 record with nine saves and a 1.72 ERA over the past two seasons. The Athletics likely view him as a valuable pitcher for their Triple-A affiliate.

  • The trade was completed on February 12, 2026, ahead of the upcoming MLB season.

The players

Mitch Spence

A right-handed pitcher who was initially drafted by the New York Yankees in the 10th round of the 2019 MLB Draft and spent part of the 2024 season with the Athletics.

AJ Causey

A right-handed pitcher who was a fifth-round pick by the Royals in 2024 and has compiled an impressive 11-5 record with nine saves and a 1.72 ERA over the past two seasons.

Alec Marsh

A right-handed pitcher for the Royals who has been placed on the 60-day Injured List as part of the roster adjustments related to the trade.

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What they’re saying

“We have acquired RHP Mitch Spence from the Athletics in exchange for RHP AJ Causey. In a corresponding move, RHP Alec Marsh has been placed on the 60-day Injured List.”

— Kansas City Royals (X, formerly Twitter)

What’s next

As spring training progresses, the Royals and Athletics will evaluate how Spence and Causey fit into their pitching strategies. Fans can expect Spence to contribute to Kansas City's bullpen depth, while Oakland will monitor Causey's development in the minors.

The takeaway

This trade underscores both the Royals' and Athletics' efforts to build competitive pitching staffs for the 2024 season, with each team addressing specific bullpen needs through a strategic pitcher swap.