 After re-signing with Kansas City for the 1996 season, he began the year in Omaha, where he started four games with a 2–1 record and a 4.76 ERA before earning a call-up to Kansas City.Linton set a career high in wins with Kansas City, as he had a 7–9 record with a 5.02 ERA in 21 games and a career high 104 innings pitched.The Royals released Linton on March 4, 1997.