KC Royals: Remaining Free Agent Starting Pitching Options

Cliff Lee: Age 37

Cliff Lee didn’t pitch during the 2015 season with an elbow ailment. Rather than having surgery, he elected to try and heal it through rest and physical therapy. What that means is signing Cliff Lee would be a risk, but maybe not a huge one.

Cliff Lee is 37 years old so he’s not going to get a big, multi-year deal. While he didn’t pitch in 2015 and pitched very little in 2014, he still put up a 3.65 ERA during the 2014 season. He also struck out nearly a batter per inning and walked very few batters.

Not only has Cliff Lee had success in the American League, he’s been successful in this division.

Cliff Lee pitched three consecutive seasons of 200 innings or more from 2011-2013. He’s only two years removed from pitching for a full year and didn’t seem to regress as the season went on. His biggest issue has been his arm injury.

While it would be a risk to sign Cliff Lee, the Royals may be able to convince him to sign a short-term contract in exchange for a chance to contend. They have a pitcher in Chris Young who will benefit from rest and if he and Cliff Lee can swap starts it may be beneficial for both pitchers.

In my opinion he’s worth the risk if he’s willing to play for a ring at this point in his career rather than for money.

Next: A Reunion With Ned Yost?