The Kansas City Royals added right-handed pitcher Easton McGee on Tuesday, acquiring him from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for cash considerations. Kansas City immediately optioned the 28-year-old to Triple-A Omaha and transferred right-hander Nick Mears to the 60-day injured list to open a spot on the 40-man roster.
McGee had been designated for assignment by Milwaukee last week after making one scoreless appearance in the majors this season. He spent most of 2026 with Triple-A Nashville, posting a 5.62 ERA with 43 strikeouts over 41.2 innings while giving the Royals another experienced depth option entering the second half.
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Mears, meanwhile, remains sidelined with a right shoulder impingement. His move to the 60-day injured list follows a setback while throwing to hitters, delaying his return until at least late July.
The transaction gives Kansas City additional pitching depth without sacrificing prospects or draft capital. Because McGee still has a minor league option remaining, the Royals can move him between Omaha and the majors as roster needs arise.
For the Brewers, the deal turns a pitcher who no longer had a place on the 40-man roster into cash considerations. McGee owns a 3.08 ERA across 26.1 career major league innings despite spending much of the last two seasons at the Triple-A level.
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Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (33)Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Kansas City enters the All-Star break at 38-59 after injuries have tested its pitching staff throughout the first half. While McGee is expected to begin with Omaha, he could become an option later this season if the Royals need another arm in the bullpen or rotation.
The move is unlikely to be the Royals’ last before the trade deadline, but it gives the club another controllable pitcher as it evaluates its roster during the second half of the season.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source sports.yahoo.com ’
