Royals: 3 free agents to sign and 1 to avoid this offseason

Giles is a perfect example of why it’s OK to overlook a bad 2020 season given all the surrounding circumstances. Giles couldn’t stay healthy, and his 9.82 ERA is very unsightly, but a four-game sample size isn’t enough to make a firm declaration on. Giles’ history is full of numbers that show he is an elite closer, as he has 115 career saves and a 2.74 ERA, with a sparkling 1.87 ERA in his last full season as closer of the Blue Jays. The Trevor Rosenthal resurgence was a nice project for Kansas City, but the trade to San Diego left them with a gigantic hole in the bullpen.

Giles would instantly become the closer in Kansas City, as the Royals bullpen is currently occupied by a bunch of minor league players or young relievers with minimal experience pitching in high-leverage situations. Giles would not only give Mike Matheny some peace of mind at the end of games, but he could be an experienced vet that stabilizes a unit that is currently in flux right now. If his fastball is still as explosive as it was in Philadelphia, Houston, and Toronto, “100 Miles Giles” could take another closer role in Kansas City and become a key part of the Royals’ turnaround.