The Kansas City Royals have made an intriguing offseason move, signing utility player Cavan Biggio to a minor league deal.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Cavan is the son of Hall of Famer Craig Biggio. But he’s also carved out a name for himself with a versatile, defensively solid MLB career spanning six seasons.
A Promising Start but a Rocky Road Ahead
Biggio’s career began with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he made an immediate impact. He finished fifth in the AL Rookie of the Year race in 2019.
His debut campaign showcased his potential with a .234/.364/.429 slash line, 16 home runs, and 14 stolen bases.
However, his offensive production has since dropped. Over his career, Biggio has slashed .225/.341/.379, with 35 home runs and 138 RBIs in 424 games.
Last season, splitting time between the Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Braves, he struggled at the plate, slashing .197/.314/.303 with five homers and 19 RBIs.
Defensive Versatility: Biggio’s Key Asset
While Biggio’s bat hasn’t delivered as hoped, his defensive prowess remains a strong selling point. He’s played six different positions in the majors, offering the kind of flexibility modern teams value.
Kansas City seems eager to add that versatility, especially after struggling to get consistent production from their infield beyond shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
Witt, a budding star, is locked up through 2034, but other starting infielders, including Michael Massey, Maikel Garcia, and Vinnie Pasquantino, combined for only 4 WAR last season.
A Second Chance in Kansas City
At 29, Biggio finds himself at a crossroads. His stock has dipped since his standout rookie year, but the Royals could offer him a chance to revitalize his career.
Biggio’s defensive skills and ability to plug gaps in the lineup may provide value, especially as Kansas City seeks to rebound from a challenging 2024 campaign.
For now, Biggio will have to prove himself in the minors, but if he can rediscover some of that early-career spark, don’t be surprised if he earns a spot on the big-league roster before long.
