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What to Expect from Royals Infielder Cam Devanney

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 1:31 PM ET

Despite not being a top name in the Royals’ system, Cam Devanney found a way to the Majors. The 28-year-old and International League leader leader in barreled contact was promoted to the Royals on July 6. It’s Devanney’s first MLB callup, six years after he was drafted.

A Look at Devanney

The Elon University baseball team was under the microscope, in 2019 thanks to a trio of draft-eligible pitchers. George Kirby turned into a strong pitcher, while Ty Adcock eventually made it as a reliever (the third, Kyle Brnovich, was traded to Baltimore in the Dylan Bundy deal in 2020. However, Elon had a fourth drafted player that year: Cam Devanney.

Devanney, drafted by Milwaukee in the 15th round, got off to a good start in pro ball, as he hit seven home runs across 61 games in 2019. Three years later would be a breakthrough season, as Devanney hit 23 home runs between Double and Triple-A. The Royals acquired him in December 2023 for Taylor Clarke.

The 28-year-old Devanney hit 19 home runs with Omaha (AAA) last season, a number that put him in the top-25 of the International League last season. This season, he hit 18 across his first 69 games, third in the circuit. Only Bob Seymour (22) and Carlos Perez (19) had more.

Additionally, Devanney improved his walk rate, from 9.0% in 2024 to 11.8% in 2025. Devanney didn’t chase much this season, with a 24.7% swing rate on pitches out of the zone.

The Royals prospect demonstrated the ability to go the other way with the baseball, pushing the ball and getting extra-base hits that way. Not a lot of overswinging, either. He’s not been one to strike out a ton, nor has been one to ground out a lot. Aside from 2024, Devanney posted GO/AO ratios fewer than 1.00 every season.

Kansas City officially promoted Cam Devanney on July 8.

Analysis

While more often than not, our attention hones in on high-end prospects, it’s worth noting Devanney’s been a good story. He is a late bloomer but one who could provide bench/utility value for a Royals team that hasn’t received great production offensively this season.

As of July 8, the Royals are 26th in the Majors in team OPS (.670) and 26th in slugging percentage (.371).

Plus, Devanney could theoretically fill holes defensively. While he mostly played short in the Minors — he won’t in the Majors — Devanney has seen time at second and third base.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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