Army West Point Baseball Class of 2024 member Sam Ruta ’24 has signed a free agent deal with the Kansas City Royals.
Ruta will report to the club’s spring training complex in Surprise, Ariz.
The native of Yardley, Pa. graduated from West Point in 2024 as the Army Baseball career as the leader in numerous program record categories, including career home runs (40), career total bases (434), career RBIs (187; also Patriot League record), career games played (212), career games started (tied for first, 207), and career walks drawn (tied for first, 142).
In 2024, the third baseman had 15 home runs across the season, tied for most on the roster. He compiled a team-high 1.053 OPS and drew 50 walks, a mark that led both Army and the Patriot League in 2024. Ruta was one of three Black Knights to start in all 54 games, and one of two to start each game at the same position.
Ruta helped lead Army to Patriot League Tournament Championships and NCAA Regional appearances in all four of his years with the program.
After the 2024 season, Ruta played 13 games with the Frederick Keys of the MLB Draft League, and this offseason has featured with the Canada A’s in the California Winter League.
Ruta is the 24th West Point graduate to accept an opportunity with an MLB organization. Fellow Class of ’24 member Derek Berg was drafted in the 10th Round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Tanner Gresham received a free agent opportunity with the Philadelphia Phillies.
