Cody Decker is signing with Royals

After six years (seven seasons) in the San Diego Padres organization, Cody Decker is parting ways with the team that drafted him in 2009. The infielder (and occasional outfielder, catcher, and pitcher) will be joining the defending World Series champions, the Kansas City Royals, on a minor league deal. While the Royals haven't made any official announcements yet, Jeff Passan broke news of the deal on Twitter last night, to Decker's dismay.

Despite very limited time playing in the Major Leagues (he was called up for the first time this past September and played in eight games, mostly as a pinch-hitter, for the Padres), Decker has become something of a "Twitter celebrity" over the past few years, gaining attention in large part due to his YouTube films and pranks he often pulled on his Minor League teammates, as well as his all-around likeable personality, sense of humor, and willingness to interact and engage with fans on social media. He was in the process of pulling another prank on his 19K+ Twitter followers last night when Passan unknowingly ruined the fun by announcing Decker's deal with the Royals.

After hours of pleading with my agent, he informed me "No! You cannot sit at a table with 3 hats on it like its national signing day!".....

— Cody Decker (@Decker6) December 3, 2015

After much thought and careful consideration, I decided I'm signing with...... pic.twitter.com/8h37lV6JoD

— Cody Decker (@Decker6) December 3, 2015

I just realized..... I need to buy a lot of blue shit!.....

— Cody Decker (@Decker6) December 3, 2015

A+ troll job by @Decker6 going down. Tweets that he needs "blue shit" and follows the Royals, Dodgers, Jays, Cubs, & Rangers on twitter

— Ryan Blake (@ryguyblake) December 3, 2015

Outfielder, filmmaker and all-around interesting guy Cody Decker (@Decker6) signed a minor league deal with Kansas City.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 3, 2015

I want to point out the following: - I haven't said who I'm sign with. - I follow every blue MLB team on Twitter. - @JeffPassan is no fun!'

— Cody Decker (@Decker6) December 3, 2015

After realizing his mistake, Passan apologized for being a party pooper (and for mistaking Decker's position).

Cody Decker is a 1B/3B. And apparently I ruined a troll job I was unaware he was playing on his followers. So I'm twice a dunce. Sorry, man.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 3, 2015

According to Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune, more than a dozen teams were interested in Decker, though the Padres were not one of them. Since being drafted by San Diego in 2009 out of UCLA, Decker compiled a modest .263/.345/.516 slash line with 154 home runs in 783 games (including rookie leagues and the Majors). The fact that he never got a chance in the big leagues until late this season was something many Padres fans disagreed with, and there's no doubt people will be upset that the team didn't attempt to re-sign him this offseason.

But Decker, who has yet to notch his first hit as a Major Leaguer, will hopefully get more opportunities with the Royals than he would have with the Padres, who seem to be set at 1B and 3B as of now.

So, as of today then: Myers at first, Solarte at third, Spangenberg/Gyorko at second base, add a shortstop. Your #Padres 2016 infield.

— Corey Brock (@FollowThePadres) December 3, 2015

Update: It's official.

Well.... Here goes nothing!.... pic.twitter.com/SGoYkQNy82

— Cody Decker (@Decker6) December 4, 2015