Royals Rumors: Royals could add another starting pitcher
The Royals rumors are starting to take off, with two of the former free agents signing deals elsewhere. Now it appears the Royals are looking at potentially adding another pitcher for their rotation.
It was an exciting few days as far as Royals rumors go, with both Eric Hosmer and Jason Vargas signing contracts with other teams. Hosmer signed with the Padres for eight years and $144 million while Vargas inked a two-year deal worth $16 million with the Mets.
According to Jon Heyman’s Twitter account, the Kansas City Royals could look to add another starting pitcher to their rotation. Heyman tweeted out that tidbit on Monday morning and to be honest, it’s a little perplexing as to why the Royals would do that.
I had planned to write a post about this at some point, but the Royals’ rotation is their strongest feature right now. They seem to have PLENTY of options to mix around in their rotation, so why target another arm, especially if this is truly a rebuilding season?
royals are another team considering a starting pitcher. could be another potential landing spot for chris tillman. orioles in mix, tigers believed to be, as well. could have decision today.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 19, 2018
Heyman mentioned Chris Tillman as an option, but he ended up re-signing with Baltimore. That’s definitely okay with me and I bet a lot of Royals fans feel the same way. Even with Tillman signing elsewhere, perhaps bringing in another starter could still be something the Royals decide to explore.
Right now, the Royals have a lot of options for their rotation. I went over some of them about a month ago, but the Royals have added more talent since that post went up. The most notable one is Jesse Hahn, who was brought in via a trade with the Athletics.
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Hahn has always been a starter, but he’ll have to win the job, just like everyone else. He’s been plagued with injuries for his entire career, which is likely what caused Oakland to give up on him.
If I had to guess, the initial starting rotation for the Kansas City Royals at the end of Spring Training will be Danny Duffy, Ian Kennedy, Jason Hammel, Nate Karns, and Jakob Junis (in that order). Guys like Duffy, Kennedy, and Hammel are shoe-ins to make the rotation even with poor Spring Trainings due to their names and what they’re being paid.
The Royals also have wildcards like Trevor Oaks (who I think could really push for a spot in the rotation should someone struggle or get injured), Eric Skoglund, and Josh Staumont. Throw Hahn in there too.
So, I’ll revisit the question… Why are the Royals targeting another starting pitcher? If they’re going to sign anyone, bring in a batter or someone with legitimate bullpen experience. The starting rotation is as solid as it’s been in years, which is odd considering how bad the Royals are going to be this year.
What do you think of this rumor, Royals fans? Are you for bringing in another arm or would you rather target a different position?