Kansas City Royals: Starting Pitching Options

Yordano Ventura: Steamer Projection – 29 Starts

Yordano Ventura had a rough year in 2015. He started out alright but quickly devolved into a hot-headed pitcher who’s emotions and confidence seemed out of control. He was so bad in 2015 that he was delegated to a Minor League role though he never made the trip to Omaha.

2014 was a much better season for Ventura. He pitched to a 3.20 ERA across 30 starts and looked every bit the future staff ‘Ace’ that everyone had envisioned.

His season culminated with a gutsy performance in an elimination game in the 2014 World Series. He pitched seven innings of three-hit ball and showed poise, confidence, and control that made him look like a seasoned veteran.

Hopefully, the 2015 campaign was a bit of a ‘sophomore slump’ for Ventura.

Hopefully, the 2015 campaign was a bit of a ‘sophomore slump’ for Ventura. He started to bounce back in the second half of the season and was downright dominate in the final months of the season.

Ventura posted a 3.26 ERA over his final 13 starts of the season and had an 8-1 record during that span. He also struck out more than a batter per inning but his walk rate did spike in that time. Three times in the final months, Ventura struck out 11 batters.

If Ventura makes 29 starts in 2016 and posts the same kind of numbers he did in the final 13 starts of 2015, he’s set to pitch around 184 innings with just under 200 strikeouts.

If Ventura can cut down his walk rate and improve upon his late-season progression, he could reach close to 200 innings for the Royals. That would be a big boost for the rotation and would help solidify him as the ‘Ace’ of the staff.

Next: Slow And Steady