Moustakas was cut loose last spring after failing to make the White Sox’ season-opening roster and will officially step away from the game as a member of the Royals, who will hold a retirement ceremony on May 31. The 36-year-old was a key part of Kansas City’s 2015 World Series title and spent eight years with the organization. A three-time All-Star selection, Moose finishes with a lifetime .247 batting average along with 215 home runs over 13 seasons in the big leagues from 2011-2023 that included stops with the Reds, Brewers, Angels and Rockies.

Moustakas was in camp this spring as a non-roster invitee and seemed to have a decent shot at making Chicago’s season-opening roster in a bench role. The 35-year-old veteran infielder has been jettisoned to pursue an opportunity elsewhere rather than heading to Triple-A Charlotte.

The 35-year-old slugger returns to the American League Central, where he had the most success of his career during his time with the Royals from 2011-2018. Moustakas split his 2023 campaign between the Rockies and Angels, slashing a combined .247/.293/.392 with 12 homers and 48 RBI in 386 plate appearances. There’s playing time to be had with the White Sox, so don’t be surprised if he has a strong camp and cracks the Opening Day roster.

Moustakas had been on the shelf since the mid-September with a left forearm strain and returned as the designated hitter and will bat fifth on Sunday. On the season, the veteran slugger is hitting .252/.300/.404 with 12 homers and 47 RBI between Colorado and Los Angeles.