The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a minor league contract with veteran catcher Elias Díaz, who will report to big league camp next week. The 35-year-old Venezuelan backstop hit just .204 with nine homers and 29 RBI in 106 games for the San Diego Padres last season, marking his lowest batting average when receiving at least 250 at-bats.

Díaz brings 11 years of major league experience to Kansas City, having spent his first five seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates before moving on to the Colorado Rockies for four years. He earned an All-Star selection with Colorado in 2023 but was traded to San Diego during the 2024 season. The move comes as the Royals look to bolster their catching depth behind starter Salvador Perez, a nine-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner who has anchored the position since 2013.

Top prospect Carter Jensen, who played 20 games as a rookie last season, is expected to serve as Perez's backup. Díaz's addition provides veteran insurance and competition for the backup role, though his recent offensive struggles (.204 average last season) suggest he'll face an uphill battle to make the major league roster out of spring training.