Royals cut ties with 192-HR hitter in decision that could lead to retirement

The Kansas City Royals have finally moved on from a guy who's been worse than a replacement-level player so far in the 2025 season.

On Friday, they announced they're designating Hunter Renfroe for assignment to remove him from the 40-man roster.

Renfroe, the one-time prolific slugger, didn't leave the yard in 108 plate appearances this season. He had a .182 average, and by Baseball Reference's calculations, Renfroe had a negative-1.5 WAR.

Renfroe had been right about replacement level in 2024, when he batted .229 and slugged 15 homers in 120 games.

In his career, Renfroe has bashed 192 homers across 10 MLB seasons.

He began his career with four seasons with the Padres, then played a year for the Rays, a year for the Red Sox, a year for the Brewers, a split year between the Angels and Reds before joining the Royals for 2024.

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Renfroe also possesses one of the best right-field arms in the game.

But after this brutal start to the season, it's not clear whether the right-handed slugger will get another chance.

Renfroe, 33, will probably clear waivers, and then he'll have the choice of accepting an assignment to Triple-A or choosing to do something else with his baseball future.

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