The Kansas City Royals are hoping that their latest lottery ticket can pay off.

The Royals announced that they signed pitcher Tony Gonsolin for the remainder of the 2026 season with a team option for 2027. Gonsolin was immediately placed on the 15-day injured list.

The IL has been a familiar place for Gonsolin since the 2022 season. After missing time during 2023 due to a sprained left ankle and forearm inflammation, he underwent Tommy John surgery in August of that year. Recovery from the procedure knocked Gonsolin out for 2024.

Healthy in 2025, he injured his back while lifting weights, then made seven starts before undergoing an internal brace procedure on his right elbow in August. Given the typical 10-month recovery time from his second elbow surgery, Gonsolin could return to the mound late this year.

We have signed RHP Tony Gonsolin to a Major League contract for 2026 with a club option for 2027. Tony has been placed on the 15-day Injured List.

RHP Eli Morgan has been designated for assignment.

Kansas City Royals betting Tony Gonsolin can return to form

There was a time when Gonsolin was among the better pitchers in the game when he took the mound. He posted a 2.51 ERA and a 0.987 WHIP over his 272.2 innings between 2019 and 2022, striking out 267 batters with 91 walks. He was an All-Star during his breakout season in 2022, but has been unable to stay healthy since.

Signing Gonsolin is an intriguing gamble. They will get to oversee his recovery and potentially watch him in game action. As Noah Cameron, Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha are the only locks for the Royals rotation in 2027, Gonsolin could have a viable chance to be part of the roster if he is healthy. Given his history, that is a big if.