Royals shockingly DFA former Rays' outfielder with postseason pop

The 33-year old Hunter Renfroe has bounced around the league quite a bit in his 10-year career, making stops in San Diego, Tampa Bay, Boston, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, and Kansas City. The 6'1 outfielder has been offered a job in so many locations due more to his immense potential rather than his major league success. However, it seems like his luck may be running out as the Royals have DFA'd their current rigt fielder after a very slow start at the plate.

Royals DFA outfielder Hunter Renfroe after atrocious start at the plate

The Royals have officially given up on their right fielder after he started 2025 with a -1.5 WAR in 35 games. Renfroe posted a .182/.241/.242 slashline in 99 at-bats. Also, despite hitting nearly 200 home runs in his career, the slugger was held homer-less so far this year. That power drought may have been the deciding factor as his extra-base potential and defense are his most valuable attributes. Therefore, even though Renfroe was on a lucrative two-year deal, Kansas City felt the need to part ways with him as he seemed to become a hindrance to a surging club.

The recently DFA'd athlete spent one season in a Rays uniform in 2020. Tampa Bay acquired him through a 5-player deal with the San Diego Padres. The Padres and Rays have been long-time trade partners, as they've exchanged talented players such as Blake Snell, Manuel Margot, and Wil Myers over the years.

This trade was not short of talent in itself, as the Padres received future All-Star Jake Cronenworth and veteran outfielder Tommy Pham. The Rays obtained Hunter Renfroe and Xavier Edwards in the transaction. Each of these players have put together solid tenures with four of them still remaining on an MLB roster.

Hunter Renfroe struggled mightily as a member of the Rays, hitting well below the Mendoza Line (.200 AVG) with a .156 batting average. However, he's remembered more for his power contributions as the outfielder crushed eight home runs in only 42 games. His most memorable blasts were in the Rays' incredible 2020 postseason run.

In 23 postseason at-bats with the Rays, Renfroe recorded four hits, including two huge home runs. The most significant homer completely broke open a decisive Wild Card game against the Blue Jays. Renfroe crushed a grand slam off of Hyun-Jin-Ryu, which was the first grand slam in franchise history. He also demolished a solo shot off of Dodgers starter Julio Urias to help the Rays crawl back and eventually win the wild Game 4.

We wish Hunter Renfroe the best, whether his baseball journey is meant to continue or end in this fashion.