MLB Hot Stove: Kansas City Royals preview
By Jason Evans
Rotation
The Royals starting rotation was helped by two hired guns over the past two seasons. In 2014, the James Shields trade was a huge part of leading the Royals to the World Series. Last season, the Royals made the big trade to get Johnny Cueto from the Cincinnati Reds. In that deal, they had to give up a couple of their top pitching prospects in Brendan Finnegan and John Lamb, who could have helped this season. Flags fly forever though, but this off-season, the Royals are going to have to add here.
Yordano Ventura rebounded after struggling early and was able to look like his former self. Edinson Volquez turned out to be a really solid investment, posting a 13-9 record. After this, it’s murky.
Jason Vargas got Tommy John surgery and won’t be back until late in the season if all goes well. Kris Medlen came back last year off his second Tommy John procedure and will be looked more as a starter this season than a reliever.
They have to figure out what Danny Duffy is. Is he a starter or his a power lefty out of the bullpen? Chris Young did a great job for them out of the rotation but is a free agent. Look for them to try and bring him back.
We know the Royals won’t be in on the bigger fish in Free Agency, but they will need to add some arms in order to get the depth needed. If they are in it again next year, don’t be surprised if they make a deal.
Next: Bullpen