KC Royals: Remaining Free Agent Starting Pitching Options

Yovani Gallardo: Age 29

The KC Royals may not be able to afford Yovani Gallardo but he would be a huge addition to the pitching staff.

The interesting thing about Gallardo is that he’s already been tied to the Royals this off-season. The KC Royals were apparently trying to decide between Yovani Gallardo and Ian Kennedy. They would up with Ian Kennedy who, at the time, seemed like the cheaper option.

It’s not unheard of for a pitcher around his age to take a one-deal looking to prove himself.

With Spring Training coming up quickly and Yovani Gallardo still not having a long-term contract, he could turn into an option for the Royals on a short term deal. While he’d like a long-term contract he may be willing to sign a one-year deal to try and parlay a good performance into a big payday.

It’s not unheard of for a pitcher around his age to take a one-deal looking to prove himself. Ervin Santana signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves in 2014 and was able to turn that into a long-term deal with the Minnesota Twins.

If Gallardo wants to prove himself, what better way than to come help a team win a championship. He put up good numbers last season in his first year in the American League. He posted an ERA of 3.42 last season and performed well for the Rangers in the playoffs.

Gallardo also has some familiarity with Ned Yost, having played for him when Yost managed the Brewers. That relationship along with the his possible desire to earn a big contract may be enough to get Gallardo into a Royals’ uniform. If he and Kennedy are competing for the fourth spot in the rotation, the Royals would be in great shape.

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