Big Leaguer Sanabria Inks Deal With Monarchs
Photo: Minda Haas Kuhlmann / Omaha Storm Chasers
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A hard-throwing major leaguer is heading to the Kansas City Monarchs.
The American Association club has signed right-hander Carlos Sanabria to a contract, the Monarchs announced Monday.
Sanabria made his big-league debut with the Houston Astros in 2020. A native of Venezuela, he most recently pitched in the Kansas City Royals organization with Triple-A Omaha in 2021.
“Carlos is a guy with a great pedigree who has great stuff,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “We’re happy to add another quality pitcher to our organization.”
Sanabria is the third former big leaguer currently on the Monarchs’ roster for 2023, along with former Tigers outfielder Jacob Robson and former Rockies and Athletics pitcher Ryan Castellani.
The 26-year-old Sanabria made his Astros organization debut in 2014 when he pitched in the Dominican Summer League at the age of 17. He made his American debut in 2016, earning a promotion to Double-A in 2019.
In the fall of 2019, Sanabria participated in the prestigious Arizona Fall League, making eight appearances with Peoria alongside future big leaguers Julio Rodriguez and Jeremy Peña.
Sanabria broke through to the big leagues in 2020, making two appearances for the Astros. He struck out two batters in two innings of work.
He signed with the Royals organization as a free agent for 2021, the last season he pitched professionally.
About the American Association
The American Association of Professional Baseball played its first season in 2006. It is a professional partner league that is affiliated with Major League Baseball but not specifically with any one team. The league consists of 12 teams located primarily in the Midwest and the South of the United States. Its season runs from May to September and features players who are looking to showcase their talents for a chance to be signed by a major league team.
About the Kansas City Monarchs
The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. This year, they are celebrating their 20th year of baseball 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. The Monarchs won ten Negro American League championships and two Negro League World Series championships in their history. The team featured numerous notable players over the years, including Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Buck O’Neil.
