Yefri Del Rosario Junior Cerda

Monarchs Re-Sign Two Key Relievers

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KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Two important pieces of the Kansas City Monarchs’ pitching staff are returning for 2025. Yefri Del Rosario and Junior Cerda have both re-signed with the team, the Monarchs announced Friday.

Both pitchers joined the Monarchs late in the 2024 season. Cerda posted a 3.00 ERA over eight appearances, while Del Rosario struck out 10 batters in 9.2 innings of work.

The four-time league champion Monarchs have signed 10 players to their roster for the upcoming season, which begins May 9 from Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. See the team’s full roster here.

Del Rosario, 25, is a former Royals prospect who reached Triple-A in 2022. His most recent affiliated action came with Double-A Northwest Arkansas in 2023, where he earned a 3.12 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 39 relief outings while striking out 11.9 batters per nine innings.

“We think we have something special in Yefri Del Rosario,” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said. “He has late life on his secondary pitches that is different than most. He definitely has strikeout potential, and is a fearless competitor. We’re looking forward to welcoming him back.”

Born in Miches, Dominican Republic, Del Rosario initially signed with the Atlanta Braves in July 2016. He was one of 13 Atlanta prospects who became free agents in November 2017 after the Braves were penalized for violating international signing rules. The Royals signed him in December 2017.

Del Rosario pitched nine games at the Triple-A level in 2022, posting a 2.70 ERA.

Cerda is a former Diamondbacks prospect who reached High-A in 2024. The 24-year-old owns a 4.15 ERA and 11.1 K/9 over 71 affiliated appearances, all but four in relief.

Born in Tenares, Dominican Republic, Cerda provided a boost to the Monarchs’ bullpen down the stretch in 2024. He allowed zero hits in five of his eight appearances, including a four-strikeout outing on August 21 at Sioux City.

“Junior did really well for us last season,” Calfapietra said. “He’s eager to pitch, always took the ball. He’s going to come in hungry, and understands our program. He checks a lot of boxes for us.”

The Monarchs have signed five returning players from their 2024 roster, including pitcher Jeff Hakanson, outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz, and shortstop Josh Bissonette.