Monarchs Sign Impact Lefty Robaina For Playoff Push

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A dominant left-hander from the Mexican League is joining the Kansas City Monarchs for their 2025 playoff run.

Julio Robaina, a former Astros prospect who had a 3.17 ERA for Tigres de Quintana Roo this season, has signed with the four-time league champions. He will start Thursday night’s game with the Milwaukee Milkmen at Legends Field.

First Triple-A STRIKEOUT for Julio Robaina! 🤜 pic.twitter.com/ieYvWOl4eP
— Sugar Land Space Cowboys (@SLSpaceCowboys) April 10, 2024

Robaina arrives in Kansas City after Monarchs pitcher Julian Garcia had his contract transferred to the Reds organization. Teams in the American Association aren’t typically allowed to add players this late in the season, but the Monarchs were able to add a new pitcher to fill Garcia’s spot in the rotation.

“We think Julio is a solid arm that’s going to fit really nicely with our ball club,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “He’s a competitor who’s pitched at a high level; he’s a high-velocity strike thrower with a great four-pitch mix. We’re fortunate to have him on our team.”

Julio Robaina strikes out 9 against 2 singles over 6.0 shutout, lowering his season ERA to 3.18 in 26 outings on the year. pic.twitter.com/NSladUhkmj
— Corpus Christi Hooks (@cchooks) September 18, 2023

Robaina, 24, is in his seventh professional season. He briefly pitched in Triple-A with the Astros in 2024, spending most of that season with Double-A Corpus Christi. He played winter ball in Venezuela with Caracas in the 2024-25 season.

The Cuban-born southpaw threw 71 innings with Quintana Roo in 2025 over 16 games (12 starts), striking out over a batter per inning.

Robaina made his pro debut in 2018. He owns a 4.42 ERA and 9.5 K/9 across his professional career.

The Monarchs (56-39) have clinched a playoff spot in the American Association West. Their first playoff game is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3. The game’s time, location and opponent are still to be determined.