Frank Schwindel was a first baseman for the Kansas City Royals who gained a following among fans due to his hard work and dedication to the team. However, in May 2021, the Royals designated Schwindel for assignment and subsequently released him.
Many fans were left wondering why Schwindel, who had been a fan favorite, was let go. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind the Royals’ decision and what happened to Schwindel after his release.
Additionally, we’ll take a look at Schwindel’s current situation and analyze his success with his new team, the Chicago Cubs.
Why Was Frank Schwindel Designated for Assignment?
Crowded 40-Man Roster
The Kansas City Royals had a crowded 40-man roster at the time of Frank Schwindel’s designation for assignment. The team needed to make space on the roster to accommodate another player, and Schwindel was one of the players deemed expendable.
Mixed Performance
Schwindel’s performance leading up to his designation for the assignment was somewhat mixed. While he had hit two home runs and three RBIs in 11 games for the Royals in the 2021 season, his batting average was only .143.
Promise in Previous Seasons
Despite his lackluster performance in 2021, Schwindel had shown promise in previous seasons. In 2019, he hit .328 with 24 home runs and 93 RBIs in 123 games for the Royals’ Triple-A affiliate.
Expendability
Schwindel was one of the players on the Royals’ roster who was most expendable at the time of his resignation. The team felt that they could afford to let him go in order to create space on the roster for another player.
Business Decision
Ultimately, the decision to designate Schwindel for the assignment was a business decision based on the team’s current needs and priorities. While Schwindel had shown promise in the past, the Royals needed to make space on the roster and felt that they could do so by letting him go.
What Happened After He Was Designated for Assignment?
After being designated for assignment, Frank Schwindel was released by the Kansas City Royals on May 18, 2021. This meant that he was no longer under contract with the team and was free to sign with any other team that was interested in him.
Despite his release, the Royals were interested in bringing Schwindel back on a minor league deal. However, negotiations between Schwindel’s camp and the Royals were unsuccessful, and Schwindel became a free agent.
As a free agent, Schwindel was able to explore opportunities with other teams. He ultimately signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs on June 10, 2021.
Schwindel started the 2021 season with the Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs, where he continued to put up impressive numbers at the plate.
In July 2021, Schwindel was called up to the Cubs’ major league roster, where he quickly made an impact. In his first 13 games with the Cubs, Schwindel hit .400 with four home runs and 10 RBIs.
He quickly became a fan favorite in Chicago, with many Cubs fans calling for him to be a permanent fixture in the team’s lineup.
Overall, while Schwindel’s release from the Royals was undoubtedly a setback for him, it ultimately led to new opportunities with the Cubs. His success in Chicago has proven that he has the talent and drive to succeed at the major league level.
Frank Schwindel’s Current Situation
Frank Schwindel’s current situation is that he is a first baseman for the Chicago Cubs. After being released by the Kansas City Royals in May 2021, Schwindel signed a minor league contract with the Cubs in June and was called up to the major league roster in July.
Since joining the Cubs, Schwindel has been one of the team’s most productive hitters. Through his first 42 games with the Cubs, Schwindel has hit .330 with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs.
He has also been a steady presence at first base, providing solid defense and making several key plays to help the Cubs win games.
Schwindel’s success with the Cubs has been due to a combination of factors. One key factor has been his approach at the plate. Schwindel has shown an ability to make consistent contact and hit the ball hard to all fields.
He has also shown a willingness to take walks when pitchers are not giving him anything to hit.
Another factor that has contributed to Schwindel’s success has been his work ethic and determination. Schwindel has always been known as a hard worker, and he has continued to put in extra time and effort to improve his game since joining the Cubs.
His dedication has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches and has helped him become one of the team’s most valuable players.
Overall, Schwindel’s success with the Cubs has been a pleasant surprise for both the team and its fans. His strong play has helped the Cubs remain competitive in the National League Central, and he has become a fan favorite due to his hard work and clutch hitting.
If Schwindel can continue to produce at his current level, he could be a key part of the Cubs’ future plans.
Frank Schwindel’s performance with the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago Cubs:
| Team | Year | Games Played | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royals | 2019 | 9 | .118 | 0 | 1 |
| Royals | 2020 | 2 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
| Cubs | 2021 | 42 | .330 | 11 | 37 |
The table shows that Frank Schwindel had a limited opportunity to play with the Kansas City Royals in 2019 and 2020, appearing in only 11 games and failing to make a significant impact.
However, since joining the Chicago Cubs in 2021, he has played in 42 games and has been one of the team’s most productive hitters, batting .330 with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Frank Schwindel’s background?
Frank Schwindel was born on June 29, 1992, in Livingston, New Jersey. He attended St. John’s University in Queens, New York, where he played college baseball for the Red Storm.
How did Frank Schwindel start his professional career?
Frank Schwindel was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 18th round of the 2013 MLB draft. He began his professional career that year with the Idaho Falls Chukars, a Rookie-level affiliate of the Royals.
How did Frank Schwindel perform in the minor leagues before joining the Cubs?
Frank Schwindel played in the Royals’ minor league system from 2013 to 2020, with stints at every level from Rookie ball to Triple-A. He had several impressive seasons in the minors, including hitting .333 with 23 home runs and 97 RBIs for the Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A) in 2019.
What is Frank Schwindel’s playing style?
Frank Schwindel is primarily a first baseman who is known for his solid defense and clutch hitting. He is a right-handed batter who is capable of hitting for both power and average.
What are some of Frank Schwindel’s accomplishments?
Frank Schwindel has been recognized for his performance at various points in his career. He was named a mid-season All-Star in the South Atlantic League (Single-A) in 2014 and in the Pacific Coast League (Triple-A) in 2019. He was also named the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week in July 2019.
To Recap
Frank Schwindel’s departure from the Kansas City Royals in May 2021 was a business decision based on the team’s roster needs.
However, his release led to new opportunities with the Chicago Cubs, where he has become one of the team’s most productive players.
Schwindel’s success with the Cubs has been due to his approach at the plate, work ethic, and determination, and he has become a fan favorite in Chicago.
While Schwindel’s journey to the major leagues has not been easy, his perseverance and talent have helped him succeed at the highest level of professional baseball.
