If the Winter Meetings in 2023 have taught us anything, it’s that free-agent pitchers command a premium.
The Royals of Kansas City are actively pursuing trade opportunities. This offseason, rumors have been circulating regarding the alternatives available. Before the 2024 season, a number of teams require starting pitching and bullpen support.
Free agency, though, is progressing slowly. Shohei Othani, the MVP of the American League, is the focus of attention. It is anticipated that he will secure a lucrative contract, which, once inked, would probably have cascading effects.
This offseason, the Royals intend to take care of a number of needs. J.J. Picollo, general manager, listed seven positions on the roster that he would like to fill. Picollo has done far better via the trade market, even though free agency is lagging.
Pitchers Nick Anderson and Kyle Wright were acquired by Kansas City earlier in the summer from the Atlanta Braves. Jackson Kowar, a former first-round selection, plus monetary considerations from different transactions made up the entire cost.
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A low-risk, high-reward investment for both participants.
It is anticipated that Anderson will provide the bullpen with more experience. With a 3.06 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings, he mostly used his fastball, curveball, and sinker as his three main pitches.
His curveball was batting.161 against opponents. Last season, the pitch had a 40.4 whiff percentage.
I knew Nick was someone we had really good reports on, and the data is good on him,” Picollo remarked when informed that Nick was available. It was the initial phase, and our plan was to add three relievers.
So that was one where we were opportunistic at the time, so he was available, and we just jumped on it.
Wright is more of a long-term option for the starting rotation. He will likely miss next season due to shoulder surgery, but the Royals envision Wright having a key role during the 2025 and 2026 campaigns.
When healthy, Wright has produced at a high level. In 2022, Wright won 21 games and had a 3.19 ERA in 30 starts.
In addition to his work ethic, Picollo stated, “we’re optimistic about him because Brian Bridges, the Royals scouting director, has a history with him.” “Compared to certain others, we would have known more about his makeup.
How will the Royals use both of these guys, then?
Anderson will have the opportunity to throw in high-pressure circumstances, according to Royals manager Matt Quatraro. He mentioned that adding Anderson’s strikeout prowess to a youthful bullpen would be a huge benefit.
Quatraro described him as “a very neutral pitcher against righties and lefties.” “If he stays healthy, he will significantly impact our team. He launches numerous strikes. He is a person you can rely on to go out there and know what you’re going to get, having previously thrown at high leverage.
The Royals posted a 5.23 bullpen ERA last season.
Because of his reliability on the mound, Anderson might play a significant part in the closing innings. His seasoned clubhouse leadership would also aid the Royals.
Wright is viewed by Quatraro as a crucial off-season acquisition. He’s hoping that after his recovery from surgery, Wright can get back to his best. Recently, the Royals have had success assisting pitchers in regaining their mechanics after an injury.
Cole Ragans’ return to form was greatly aided by the coaching of Zach Bove and Brian Sweeney of the Royals pitching staff. Regarding the Ragans, a lot of credit should also go to the Texas Rangers, but the Royals were crucial to his comeback in the previous campaign.
KC is hoping Wright can bounce back similarly.
Throughout his career, Wright has demonstrated a five-pitch repertoire that includes two effective off-speed pitches. In the 2022 season, Wright only allowed 53 walks while striking out 174 batters.
Quatraro stated, “That’s a really advantageous pickup for us going forward.” It goes without saying that his former accomplishments are thrilling, and hopefully he will recover and become that same man.
It’s conceivable that the Royals won’t stop moving. Both deals, though, might have a lasting impact on the team’s rebuilding efforts.
