Barring a catastrophic Cactus League performance, new Kansas City Royals reliever Nick Mears will be on the roster when the club opens its 2026 season with a late-March night game in Atlanta.
The recent trade that netted the Royals Mears and outfielder Isaac Collins was designed to boost the big league roster, not minor league depth. And while Collins is destined for a regular or semi-regular role in KC's offensively-challenged outfield, how Mears will fit into the bullpen remains to be seen.
Mears' precise role will likely be determined only after manager Matt Quatraro and pitching coach Brian Sweeney scrutinize him during spring training.