The Kansas City Royals have decided to part ways with their 2013 first round pick.

 

Third baseman Hunter Dozier was designated for assignment by the Royals yesterday, following seven seasons with the team. Dozier was the eighth overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft out of Stephen F. Austin.

 

Dozier had a breakout season in 2019, hitting .276 with 26 home runs and an OPS approaching .900. However, since signing a four year extension in 2021 and suffering a thumb injury shortly after, the results have not been there.

 

Royals manager Matt Quatraro says this decision was in the best interest of the organization, and Dozier handled it with class.

 

This move allows the Royals to continue giving regular at-bats to young infielder and top prospect Maikel Garcia.