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Come Fan with UsMonday, June 29, 2026

Jason Kendall Begins Comeback With Royals’ Naturals

After missing all of 2011 and the first half of 2012, veteran catcher Jason Kendall’s back on the baseball trail.

Catcher Jason Kendall #18 of the Kansas City Royals throws the ball back to the pitcher against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
Catcher Jason Kendall #18 of the Kansas City Royals throws the ball back to the pitcher against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
Catcher Jason Kendall #18 of the Kansas City Royals throws the ball back to the pitcher against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
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In response to the news that the Kansas City Royals have signed catcher Jason Kendall to a minor-league contract, just one word springs to mind ...

Why?

Kendall is 38 years old. He hasn't played since 2010, because of a serious shoulder injury. The last time he did play, he didn't play well. Didn't play well at all: In his last three seasons -- two with the Brewers, one with the Royals -- Kendall posted a 635 OPS.

Did I mention that he’s 38, and hasn’t played since 2010? Oh, right.

The Royals have a great young catcher in the majors, and an okay backup. They've got decent catchers in Class AAA, too. Which might be why Kendall's beginning his comeback with the double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

The good news for Royals fans is that Kendall’s not taking at-bats away from a hot catching prospect; the Royals don’t have any hot catching prospects. The good news for Kendall is that playing in the Texas League beats selling Lady Kenmores. Selling Lady Kenmores sucks.

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