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MLB·TRANSACTION·July 2, 2026 11:24 PM ET

Royals select veteran catcher Luke Maile, designate Eric Cerantola for assignment

Kansas City adds catching depth in a roster shuffle.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 31 min read
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What happened: The Kansas City Royals have selected the contract of veteran catcher Luke Maile, adding him to the active roster. To make room, the club designated right-hander Eric Cerantola for assignment.

Why it matters: The move gives Kansas City an experienced backup option behind the plate, a low-cost depth play for a club sitting at 35-52 and well out of contention. Cerantola's designation opens a 40-man roster spot and puts his future with the organization in question.

By the numbers: Maile is a longtime major league catcher joining the Royals as roster depth. Kansas City enters the move at 35-52 on the season, scoring 4.1 runs per game while allowing 5.1.

What to watch: Watch whether Cerantola clears waivers and is outrighted or claimed by another club, and how Maile factors into the catching rotation.

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MLBTradeKansas City RoyalsLuke MaileEric Cerantola
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