KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A Triple-A arm with wipeout stuff has joined the Kansas City Monarchs’ pitching staff. Tyler McKay, a Kansas City area native, is joining the Monarchs from the Phillies organization. 

The former Kansas State Wildcat earned a 2.28 ERA in 2024, splitting the season between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley in the Phillies system.

The right-hander used his five-pitch mix to get plenty of swings and misses, tallying more than a strikeout per inning across 43 appearances in 2024. 

“Tyler McKay is a big-time signing,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “He’s a guy with great strikeout numbers in Triple-A; he can play multiple roles for us; he’s a local product. We’re really excited to have him in Kansas City.”

McKay and the Monarchs open their 2025 season on Friday, May 9 from Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. Tickets are on sale now.

Born in Lee’s Summit, McKay attended Blue Springs South High School. He played at K-State his freshman season before transferring to Howard College, where he was a starting pitcher in 2018. 

The Phillies drafted McKay in the 16th round in 2018; he made his pro debut later that year. He made his High-A debut in 2021 and reached Double-A for the first time in 2022. 

McKay’s first Triple-A appearance came in 2023. Across 52 appearances at that level (all in relief), he owns a 2.97 ERA and 8.3 K/9 across 60.2 innings of work. 

The Monarchs now have 30 players signed to their spring camp roster. See the Monarchs’ full roster here. The team is allowed to carry a maximum of 25 players for Opening Day on May 9. 

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City Monarchs are continuing their expansive partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC).

The partnership includes the continuation of the Homers for History campaign, sponsoring the Monarchs’ new Bluey Day on Mother’s Day, May 11, and supporting a water bottle giveaway for fans on that same day.

“We’re so excited to welcome Blue KC back to Legends Field this season,” Monarchs owner Mark Brandmeyer said. “From honoring the history of the Monarchs to creating our newest fun experience for fans, we’re fortunate to have such a great community partner.”

“We believe in the importance of supporting our local community and preserving the storied and rich history of African American baseball in Kansas City,” said Jenny Housley, Blue KC Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. “By having a fun campaign centered around home runs and donating back to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, we are excited to partner again with the Kansas City Monarchs and cheering on our hometown teams.”

The Monarchs and Blue KC’s Homers for History campaign is returning for 2025. For each home run the Monarchs hit in 2025, Blue KC will donate $50 to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s Pitch for the Future capital campaign. Fans can learn more about the campaign at NLBM.com.

Blue KC will be the title sponsor of the Monarchs’ new Bluey Day on May 11. The event celebrating the wildly popular children’s TV show will feature a live appearance from Bluey herself, as well as trivia and songs from the show all game long.

Fans can also snag a free water bottle, courtesy of Blue KC on May 11. The first 1,000 fans through the gates that day will receive the giveaway.

Tickets for Bluey Day are on sale now at this link or by calling 973-803-3653.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2025 will be their 22nd season at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Four pitchers with local ties are coming to the Kansas City Monarchs. Right-handers Will Stevens, Josh Bortka, Connor Holden and Blake Goldsberry have signed with the four-time league champions for 2025.

The Monarchs open their season May 9 at Legends Field in Kansas City for a Fireworks Friday game and Satchel Paige bobblehead giveaway. Tickets are on sale now.

Stevens, a Kansas City Missouri native who attended Park Hill High School, played in college at Iowa Western, Wichita State and Tarleton State. The Tampa Bay Rays drafted him in the 15th round in 2023.

The 23-year-old spent 2024 with Single-A Charleston, making 29 appearances and finishing 17 games with a 6.34 ERA and 8.5 K/9.

Stevens is the most recent Park Hill grad to join the Monarchs after lefty Dalton Moats played with the team in 2023 and 2024. Moats was signed by the Cubs organization early in the 2024 season.

“We think Will’s stuff can play really well in our league,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “He has a big arm, and has shown some great flashes. We’re looking forward to seeing him at Legends Field.”

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Bortka attended Turner High School in Kansas City, Kansas. He played college ball at Cowley College and Metropolitan CC – Longview before finishing his amateur career at Central Missouri in 2022.

Bortka made his pro debut with the State College Spikes of the MLB Draft League in 2022 before signing with the Phillies organization later that year. He reached Single-A with the Phillies in 2022, 2023 and 2024, posting a 4.95 ERA across 56 affiliated games.

“We think Josh is a great fit for our team,” Calfapietra said. His numbers are good in the minor leagues, and I have really good reports on him. We’re looking forward to welcoming him to the ball club.”

Born in Cincinnati, Holden attended St. Xavier High School in Louisville before heading to Murray State for college baseball. He posted a 2.10 ERA in 19 relief appearances his senior year with the Racers in 2021.

Granted an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19, Holden played a postgrad season at Wichita State, earning a team-best 2.78 ERA and 0.81 WHIP across 25 relief appearances.

Holden signed with the Tigers as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He reached Double-A in 2023, making four relief appearances at that level.

The 26-year-old split 2024 between Single-A Lakeland and High-A West Michigan, posting a 4.69 ERA and 7.9 K/9 in 34 appearances, all in relief.

“We really like what we’re getting with Connor,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “He has great stuff, and could play different roles for us. We’re excited to see him in camp.”

Goldsberry is very familiar with baseball in the Sunflower State, having played with the Kansas Jayhawks from 2016 to 2020. He did not allow a run in his final season with the Jayhawks over 7 appearances in the COVID-shortened season.

The Highlands Ranch, Colorado native signed with the Rockies out of KU and spent three years in their minor-league system. He reached Triple-A Albuquerque in 2024, making 10 games (one start) at that level.

“Blake is a high-velocity guy, and he has good command behind his stuff,” Calfapietra said. “He’s a guy that could come in and do really well for us.”

For more on the Monarchs, visit MonarchsBaseball.com.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The four-time league champion Kansas City Monarchs have a new rallying cry: “Long Live The Fun!” That’s the Monarchs’ new slogan for the 2025 season and beyond.

The slogan highlights the Monarchs’ storied history, alludes to the regal nature of the team’s name, and emphasizes the best thing about Monarchs baseball… the fun!

There have never been more ways to have fun at Monarchs baseball than in 2025. Fireworks Fridays are back, with the best display in town every Friday night home game. Signature Saturdays return this season, with postgame player autographs after every Saturday home game. Plus, the season features incredible themed games, like Ted Lasso Night, Bluey Day and the return of Kansas Swiftie Monarchs Night.

The Monarchs’ schedule also features exciting giveaways, including a water bottle on May 11 courtesy of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, a bucket hat courtesy of Swope Health on June 29, and a T-shirt on August 3.

It all starts with the Monarchs’ Opening Night game on Friday, May 9, featuring a Satchel Paige bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,500 fans. Tickets are on sale now at this link or by calling 913-328-5618.

“At the Monarchs, we’re proud to be the area’s best spot for family fun!” Monarchs owner Mark Brandmeyer said. “This new slogan highlights our passion for our community and our hometown baseball team. We can’t wait to get the fun started at Legends Field in 2025!”

The “Long Live The Fun” slogan will be featured throughout Legends Field during games, on Monarchs TV and radio broadcasts, and in team advertising.

The Monarchs’ 2025 regular season runs through Labor Day.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2025 will be their 22nd season at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City Monarchs and Operation Breakthrough are teaming up for a memorable night at the ballpark.

Operation Breakthrough Night on July 18 will feature a special ceremonial first pitch and recognition prior to the game. In addition, the organization will bring the 1969 Chevelle SS that students with MINDDRIVE and the Ignition lab worked to restore and convert into a high-performance electric vehicle.

Operation Breakthrough is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children in need while empowering their families through advocacy, emergency assistance, and education.

“The Kansas City Monarchs have a legacy of breaking barriers, and at Operation Breakthrough, we strive to do the same for the children in our community,” Operation Breakthrough CEO Marry Esselman said. “Partnering for OB Night on July 18th is an exciting way to bring people together, highlight our mission, and cheer on the Kansas City Monarchs.”

“We at the Monarchs are honored to partner with Operation Breakthrough for this special night,” Monarchs team owner Mark Brandmeyer said. “Supporting our community is one of our organization’s core values, and we can’t wait to celebrate OB’s mission on July 18th.”

The game will feature a Friday Fireworks display after the Monarchs’ matchup with the FargoMoorhead RedHawks. Tickets are on sale now at MonarchsBaseball.com or by calling 913-328-5618.

About the Kansas City Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2025 will be their 22nd season at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965.

MEDIA CONTACT: Carter Woodiel, cwoodiel@monarchsbaseball.com, 973-803-3653