World Series champ Edinson Vólquez returns to Kansas City Royals in spring training role
It seemed like yesterday when Edinson Vólquez last stepped into the Kansas City Royals clubhouse.
The smell of champagne still lingers. Everlasting memories still remain.
For two seasons, Vólquez anchored a stellar Royals pitching staff. He pitched with passion and sometimes with a heavy heart. But he gave his all to the organization and blazed a trail unseen in Kansas City.
His ultimate toast was Game 5 in the 2015 World Series. That night, Vólquez honored his late father with a special performance. He allowed two runs across six innings as the Royals hoisted their second championship.
Fans still talk about that game nearly a decade later. And this spring, Vólquez is back with the Royals once again.
Vólquez still knew his way around the facility and his No. 36 jersey fit perfectly. Not surprisingly, his infectious smile continued to illuminate the room.
In recent days, Vólquez met with several young players. The interactions were fun alongside Bobby Witt Jr. and Cole Ragans among others.
Both were teenagers the last time Vólquez was in uniform.
Vólquez also shared a nice conversation with Ned Yost, who is now a Royals senior advisor. And he reunited with his good friend and former battery mate Salvador Perez.
In what seemed like ages, Vólquez was finally back home.
“Rene Francisco was the one to call me and let me know I was going to be here for a couple of days,” Vólquez said. “I was really excited to be back in a (uniform) and see Salvador Perez. He is one of my favorites of all time. I’m grateful to be here.”
Vólquez is a guest instructor in camp. He is working with the pitching staff and offering advice to some of the younger players.
“I’ve been watching the team since I left Kansas City,” Vólquez said. “I think they are going to have a great team and a bright future. They made it to the playoffs last year and I think they have a chance to win this year.”
The Royals have invited former alumni to spring training in the past. Over the years, KC has welcomed Mike Sweeney, Reggie Sanders, James Shields, Wade Davis and Greg Holland among others.
Each brought a unique perspective to the team. Manager Matt Quatraro believes they personify the Royals’ culture.
“It’s more of a resource and also we value what they meant to the organization and that history to the great years that they had,” Quatraro said. “I think that’s really important. For Eddie in particular, being bilingual and being able to influence some of the pitchers by sharing his experiences, that’s all we are really looking for.”
The Royals tried to get Vólquez to return in previous years. However, the timing never quite aligned as it did this spring. On Monday, Vólquez watched a few bullpen sessions and chatted with Royals infield coach Jose Alguacil.
Vólquez has also worked with a few pitchers. He loves to teach and help younger players learn the game. He travels back and forth from Miami to the Dominican Republic to help run a baseball academy.
“I can teach those guys how to be a pro and the mechanics of pitching,” Vólquez said. “I think it’s a great time to do it now.”
Vólquez posted a 4.43 ERA in 68 games with the Royals. He played for seven MLB teams in his career and initially met Ragans with the Texas Rangers. Ragans was in the minor leagues as Vólquez finished his career in Texas.
“We get along pretty good and we can talk about baseball a little bit,” Vólquez said.
Vólquez spoke with Ragans and fellow Royals starter Michael Wacha. They asked questions about his changeup and he shared insights on how to effectively throw it.
“I explained it to them and hopefully they can use it,” Vólquez said.
Meanwhile, Vólquez couldn’t wait to reminisce with Perez. There is a long history between the former teammates. This season, they will both be honored as a part of the 10-year celebration for the 2015 World Series team.
The Royals will also celebrate the 1985 World Series team.
“It’s a lot of experience in that guy,” Perez said with a smile. “He knows how to pitch. … I hope the young guys, American and Latino guys, you know, talk to him because he has got a lot to say.”
Vólquez returned the favor by marveling at Perez’s career longevity.
“He is still young,” Vólquez joked. “You know, he does a lot of work on his body to be here today and I think he deserves to play. Being around him is so fun. It’s a lot of great memories and it takes me back to 2015 and 2016. We always talk about what happened when I was here and we have a great time together.”
So could Vólquez take another run on the mound this spring? Well, those days are over, according to the ex-pitcher himself.
“Oh no,” Vólquez said. “Like I said earlier, everything hurts and I can’t pick up the ball and throw it. I will probably play catch with somebody. I don’t pitch anymore and play catch anymore. I’m just having fun.”
However, Vólquez has a new perspective on baseball. After viewing a few games as the Royals opened Cactus League play this week, he got a firsthand look at the 2025 club.
While he can’t pitch anymore, he did offer an interesting prediction after watching the current squad in action.
“I believe in the team,” he said, “and I believe that they can do it.”
This story was originally published February 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM with the headline "World Series champ Edinson Vólquez returns to Kansas City Royals in spring training role."
