Ibanez adds veteran bat to Royals lineup


The addition of Raul Ibanez could help the Royals offense. (Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)

MINNEAPOLIS — In the thick of the American League Central race despite ranking last in the majors in home runs, the Kansas City Royals added a veteran bat with some pop Monday when they signed outfielder Raul Ibanez to a big-league contract.

Ibanez, who was released by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 21, is hitting only .157 this season but has hit 30 homers in a season twice in his career and hit 29 as recently as last season in his third stint with the Seattle Mariners.

“He’s a veteran player with great experience,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “He’s played a lot of postseason baseball and (he’s) what we call a professional hitter. We think he’s going to be a big addition to our team.”

For Ibanez, who turned 42 earlier this month, it will be his second go-round with the Royals after he played three seasons in Kansas City over a decade ago. He got his first chance to be an everyday player with the Royals in 2002 and took advantage, hitting .294

with 24 homers and 103 RBIs. He’s also played for the Phillies and Yankees during a career that has spanned 19 seasons.

“I got an opportunity to play here in Kansas City,” Ibanez said. “Nobody had ever given me a chance to play, and I got an opportunity to play here back in 2001. So I have some very fond memories of the city. My son was born in Kansas City. Nothing would please me more than to be part of something that hasn’t been done here in a long time, and that’s getting into the postseason.”

An All-Star with Philadelphia in 2009, Ibanez has played in 44 career postseason games and one World Series, and if nothing else, he will bring a veteran presence to a young Kansas City clubhouse.

“You’re always flattered by all the interest from the clubs, but this was my favorite opportunity for sure, because of what this club can do,” Ibanez said. “I’m just going to be myself and try to help this team anyway I can. Sometimes it’s going to be outfield. Other days it’s going to be in here. I’ll try to be a productive member of this club, and hopefully I can be a part of something special in Kansas City.”

Yost said he plans to play Ibanez some in right field and left field, first base and at designated hitter.

“(His) role is to help us win baseball games whatever way they can,” Yost said. “There’s a lot of different places he can help us.”