The 30-year-old chose to explore the free agent market but ultimately decided that a return to the Royals was the best fit for him. Briceño hit .252/.298/.405 with four homers and 21 RBI in 131 plate appearances at Triple-A Omaha during the 2022 season.

Briceño will bolster the Royals' organizational catching depth this season. The 29-year-old backstop last appeared in the majors during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season with the Angels. He was playing this season for the Lexington Legends of the independent Atlantic League.

Briceño hit .212/.257/.434 with five homers across 109 plate appearances at Triple-A Albuquerque prior to his release. The 28-year-old backstop appeared in two games in the big leagues with the Rockies during the truncated 2020 campaign.

Briceno, 28, began his pro career in the Rockies organization but was traded while still in A-ball. He's posted a .678 OPS over 134 plate appearances in parts of two major league seasons.