AJ Causey’s journey through professional baseball took another turn on Thursday when the Kansas City Royals traded him to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for pitcher Mitch Spence. This move came just as Causey was transitioning from Royals spring training in Surprise, Arizona, to Athletics spring training in Mesa, Arizona, reflecting a quick change for the former Sparkman High School and Jacksonville State standout.
Causey, who has attracted attention as a promising right-handed reliever, was a fifth-round MLB draft pick in 2024 after a strong season at Tennessee, where he posted a 13-3 record during his sole year with the Volunteers. Earlier, he played two seasons at Jacksonville State and was also an All-State infielder in 2021 while at Sparkman High School in Harvest, Alabama.
Causey’s Performance and Role in the Royals Organization
In his first professional season in 2025, Causey excelled at two minor league levels within the Royals system. He appeared in 27 games for the Quad Cities River Bandits in the High-A Midwest League and 21 games for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals of the Double-A Texas League. He compiled an impressive 1.72 ERA, an 11-5 win-loss record, and notched nine saves over 73.1 innings, allowing 48 hits and 18 walks while striking out 75 batters.
Athletics and the Arrival of Mitch Spence
The Athletics, preparing for their second season at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, look to add depth with the acquisition of Causey while sending Mitch Spence to the Royals. Spence has MLB experience, having pitched in 67 games over the past two seasons for Oakland, including 32 starts. During that time, he posted a 4.77 ERA with an 11-16 record and recorded one save.
As the Athletics await the completion of their future ballpark in Las Vegas, this trade could contribute to their roster flexibility and future pitching options.
Potential Impact of the Trade on Both Teams
This exchange highlights the Athletics’ efforts to build a versatile bullpen with young talent like Causey, who has demonstrated strong results in the minors. For the Royals, acquiring Mitch Spence provides a pitcher with major league experience to support their rotation or bullpen needs. The trade could influence each team’s pitching depth throughout the upcoming season as both clubs continue to shape their rosters for future competitiveness.
