KC Royals: Projecting the Starting Rotation for 2016

Feb 23, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals pitchers throw during a workout at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals pitchers throw during a workout at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next
Oct 16, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (center) and catcher Salvador Perez (right) walk in from the bullpen prior to game one of the ALCS against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (center) and catcher Salvador Perez (right) walk in from the bullpen prior to game one of the ALCS against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

The good news is that the Royals have some options with the starting rotation this year.

With promising young starters in Brian Flynn, Kyle Zimmer, and Miguel Almonte the Royals have some good mid-season call ups that can step in and eat some innings while gaining some big league experience. They may also be thrust into the spotlight if poor performance or injury issues arise.

More from KC Kingdom

Danny Duffy heads to the bullpen if I’m right. I think Duffy has the stuff to be dominate out of the pen. If he can focus on refining his best three pitches so that he only has to get through three hitters rather than three times through the order, he has the makings of a high strikeout set-up reliever. He could also be used as a spot starter if the Royals get in a jam.

Dillon Gee and John Lannan both have a decent shot of making the team out of camp as long-relievers, but could find their way into the starting lineup if needed. Both have success as starting pitchers in their careers although they both have underwhelming numbers in that role.

The biggest take away here is that the Royals have options, and may not be done yet in the free agency market. While it’s unlikely the Royals will make another big splash in free-agency, they could still acquire some lower tier free agents on minor league deals to create even more depth.

Next: Ten Greatest Royals Moments

What do you think? Who would be your starting rotation? What, if any, other free agent pitchers would you like to see the Royals target? Do any of the younger pitchers crack the opening day rosters in the big leagues? Let’s discuss in the comments section below.

(All stats courtesy of www.baseball-reference.com)