Monarchs Welcome Former Big Leaguer Fargas, Young Pitcher Bonvillain

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Two key players are joining the Kansas City Monarchs’ roster just in time for the start of the season: a veteran and a young gun.

The Monarchs have signed former Cubs and Mets outfielder Johneshwy Fargas along with 24-year-old left-hander Beaux Bonvillain, the club announced Saturday.

WELCOME TO KC, JOHNESHWY

An 11th round draft pick by the Giants in 2013, Fargas broke into the major leagues with the New York Mets in 2021. He hit .286 with an .810 OPS over seven games with New York.

The 28-year-old native of Puerto Rico was picked up by the Cubs off waivers later in the 2021 season, appearing in 15 games with the big club that year. He owns a .250/.264/.385 slash line over 22 MLB games, all in 2021.

Fargas, whose first name is pronounced juh-NESH-wee, is known for his speed. He’s stolen 281 bases in nine seasons between the major leagues and affiliated baseball. That included 28 steals last season, where he was back with the Mets in Double-A and Triple-A.

Born in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, Fargas has played winter ball on his native island throughout his career. He earned league MVP honors in the 2020-21 season, hitting .349 with a 1.069 OPS, four homers and seven steals in 16 games.

BEAUX KNOWS

Bonvillain comes to Kansas City after an outstanding 2022 season closing games for the Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League.

In one of the most hitter-friendly leagues in the world (average ERA: 6.53) Bonvillain posted a superb 1.66 ERA and 0.85 WHIP over 41 appearances, earning 10 saves.

2022 was Bonvillain’s pro debut after three years of college ball at Central Oklahoma. Primarily a reliever in college as well, he posted a 3.22 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 24 games (four starts) as a senior in 2022. Bonvillain also played collegiately at Central Arkansas and Crowder College.

The Monarchs start their 2023 season Saturday evening in Sioux City after Friday’s Opening Night game was rained out. First pitch of game one is set for 5:05 p.m. Central time. Fans can catch the radio broadcast at MonarchsBaseball.com/LIVE.

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.

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.