KC Monarchs prepare to take flight in 2024 season with strong returning roster

Kansas City’s other professional baseball team, the Monarchs, are set to start the 2024 season tomorrow. The Monarchs have won four championships since moving to Kansas City in 2003. One of those championships was in the now-defunct Northern League in 2008. The rest were in the American Association in 2018, 2021, and most recently, 2023. 

Now, the team is preparing to enter its 2024 campaign. 

While a good majority of the 2023 roster has turned over, the team, led by manager Joe Calfapietra, is ready for the challenge of a new season.  The Monarchs will rely on returners such as infielder Cameron Cannon, and pitchers Grant Gavin, Ashton Goudeau, and Dalton Moats to lead the way.

Even though the team is the defending Wolff Cup champion, the manager still treats every game the same. While the first game is against the Monarchs’ West Division Championship opponent, the Sioux City Explorers, it’s just a game to them.

“To us, it’s game one of a series. We’re excited about that and seeing our guys go out there,” says Calfapietra. “It just so happens to be Sioux City.”

Monarch field day. // Photo by Zach Gunter

Above all, Calfapietra feels that it is his job not only to win but to get his players back to affiliation baseball. 

“Our job is to help these players move on. And we want that turnover rate if it’s back to affiliates, Mexico, Taiwan, or anywhere,” Calfapietra says. “And that’s why we feel that Kansas City is the ultimate destination for this level of professional baseball.”

Last season, the Monarchs had 11 players on staff that were formerly MLB players. While that number has dropped to four this season, 15 have played at the Triple-A level or higher.

The players and staff aren’t the only important piece of 2024 for the Monarchs. This season marks the 100-year anniversary of the Monarchs’ victory in the first-ever Negro League World Series in 1924.

All Monarchs players will wear a commemorative heart-shaped “KC” patch on their left sleeve for every game in 2024.

This year’s roster features plenty of local names. Players such as pitchers Jackson Goddard and Zach Leban who pitched at the University of Kansas, and Jacob Cantleberry who pitched at the University of Missouri.

Photo by Kathleen Brewer / Sioux City Explorers

There are also three players who grew up in the area. Dalton Moats, one of the returning players, grew up in Kansas City, MO. Grant Gavin, another returner, grew up in Parkville, MO, and pitched at both St. Pius X High School and the University of Central Missouri. Finally, pitcher Jonathan Sprinkle grew up in Overland Park, KS and also attended UCM (though two years after Gavin).

Even though most of these players have never seen the big league, they are motivated to get back into affiliation baseball. They want to show franchises that they have what it takes to be in a system. And that motivation translates into great baseball.

“We encourage all of Kansas City to come out and support us this year,” says team owner Mark Brandmeyer. “Whether it be a group event or individual fans, there’s nothing better than watching these guys play championship baseball in Kansas City.”

To that end, the Monarchs’ season opener is on May 10 in Sioux City, IA. The home opener is on May 16 at Legends Field.