The 2023 Kansas City Royals finished last in the AL Central with a horrible 56-106 record.
That’s on par with recent performances from a team that hasn’t made the postseason since winning the World Series in 2015.
However, this time, the Royals look set to finally spend some dollars on top free agents.
That’s the intention at least: actually signing them will be challenging to say the least, since most of the top free agents want to be in a position to win in the next one or two years and the Royals probably aren’t that close.
But it’s refreshing to see them pursuing big names and trying to improve certain key areas.
On Monday, reports surfaced that Kansas City is interested in right-hander Marcus Stroman.
“The Royals are indeed interested in Marcus Stroman, as @JonHeyman reported, but Kansas City is casting a wide net in its search for pitching. Per sources, the Royals have also had discussions with Lucas Giolito, Michael Wacha and Jack Flaherty,” MLB insider Mark Feinsand tweeted.
The Royals are indeed interested in Marcus Stroman, as @JonHeyman reported, but Kansas City is casting a wide net in its search for pitching. Per sources, the Royals have also had discussions with Lucas Giolito, Michael Wacha and Jack Flaherty.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 11, 2023
Stroman is 32 and his best years are probably behind him.
However, he doesn’t rely on sheer velocity and should age well due to good command, a great sinker, and a solid split-change.
He also knows a lot about pitching and could help mentor the Royals’ young, struggling starters: Brady Singer, Daniel Lynch, Kris Bubic, and more.
After Cole Ragans, there are no guarantees in the Royals’ rotation.
Their pitching staff finished the 2023 campaign with a 5.17 ERA, 28th out of 30 teams.
Any upgrades are welcomed, and Stroman has a career 3.65 ERA and was at 3.95 this past season with the Chicago Cubs.
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