Sam Long

Sam Long has elected to become a free agent on Friday. The move came after the Royals removed him from their 40-man roster, and Long chose to test the open market rather than accept an outright assignment.

Fantasy Impact

Long is coming off a difficult 2025 season in which he posted a 5.36 ERA with a 33:22 K:BB ratio over 40.1 innings. This was a significant downturn from his 2024 performance, when he pitched well for Kansas City.

The Royals activated LHP Sam Long from the 15-day injured list.

Fantasy Impact

Long returns from a two-month absence due to inflammation in his elbow. He figures to return to a low-leverage role in the Royals bullpen.

Sam Long is expected to begin a rehab assignment with the Kansas City Royals' Arizona Complex League team on Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact

Long has been sidelined since mid-April with left elbow inflammation. He’s scheduled to test the elbow in a live game on Tuesday, after which the team will evaluate how he feels before deciding on next steps. The team has not yet determined how many rehab appearances he'll require before activation.

Sam Long underwent a medical evaluation that showed just inflammation in his left elbow.

Fantasy Impact

Long was placed on the injured list on Sunday. He is scheduled to rest for five days before beginning next steps throwing again.

Sam Long (hand) is scheduled to make a bullpen appearance in Wednesday’s Cactus League game against the Mariners, per team reports.

Fantasy Impact

Long, 29, steps back in—his third spring outing, first since a March 3 line drive hit his left hand, causing swelling he shook off to resume throwing—still a solid bet for Kansas City’s Opening Day pen. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues can eye him; his relief role’s holding steady.