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Kansas City Royals: Who Would Royals Protect in Expansion Draft

By Leigh Oleszczak

May 12, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Danny Duffy (41) talks with catcher Salvador Perez (left) during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Danny Duffy (41) talks with catcher Salvador Perez (left) during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Matt Strahm (64) – Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Matt Strahm (64) – Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

MATT STRAHM

Last, but certainly not least is Matt Strahm, who the Royals would want to keep because he’s young and someday can hopefully become a starter for the team. Strahm has started two games this season and looked great in his first outing.

Game number two was against the Red Sox, so some struggles were expected, but there were definitely things to be optimistic about in both games. The kid is only 25 years old and hasn’t even hit his prime yet, which is a great sign for the Royals.

Strahm was a dominant reliever in 2016, posting 1.23 ERA in 22 innings pitched. His 2017 season in the bullpen got off to a rough start, but the North Dakota native turned things around and got his ERA down from over 100 to under four, which is very impressive.

When it comes to protecting players, the Royals want to make sure they keep their young guys in Kansas City and Strahm is a prime example of that. His ability to be a reliever or a starter makes him so valuable and the team has to keep him in town.

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