MLB Power Rankings: Which pitching rotation is the best in baseball?
By Phil Akre
27. Kansas City Royals
Once viewed as one of the sports true juggernauts, the Kansas City Royals have fallen flat.
Its starting rotations were never great during its time at the top, but in 2018, its been its biggest downfall.
Royals’ starters have combined for a 5.24 ERA up to this point. The teams’ No. 1, Danny Duffy, has pitched to a 5.71 ERA. Yikes. Behind Duffy, Ian Kennedy has a 5.15 ERA. Even bigger yikes.
Opposing hitters mash against the Royals, with a .277 combined average against its starters. That’s the third worst mark in the game.
There was a time when Jason Hammel was a serviceable starter, but it appears no more. He owns a 5.23 ERA and has allowed 75 hits.
Perhaps the worst part for the Royals’ is that there is no help on the horizon. Jesse Hahn is on the 60-day disabled list as a result of a UCL sprain.
If you’re thinking about the farm system, don’t. The Royals’ currently have zero prospects on MLB.com’s top-100 list. The best pitcher in the farm system is Scott Blewett, who’s currently in AA. His ERA sits at .581. He’s not expected to contribute in the majors until 2019, though.
One of the ‘bright’ spots for the team, though, lies in righty Jakob Junis. He’s crafted a solid 3.61 ERA and a 1.144 WHIP. He’s just 25 year’s old, too.
The Royals will probably be sellers this year, so GM Dayton Moore will likely look for help everywhere. But, he could surely use it on the mound.