Kansas City Royals: Best Pitchers of All-Time in Wins Above Replacement

2 of 11

Union Station is lit up with blue lights in front of the Kansas City skyline ahead of a parade and celebration in honor of the Kansas City Royals’ World Series win (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

ALL-TIME LEADERS IN WAR FOR PITCHERS – NUMBER 9: JEFF MONTGOMERY

Royals Pitcher from 1988-1999 (WAR – 21.0)

Jeff Montgomery spent a long time in the Royals organization and his WAR ended up at 21.0 after his 12-year career in Kansas City. Montgomery was traded from the Reds to the Royals and would never wear another team’s jersey after being traded.

He’d go on to lead the Royals franchise in saves with 304. Montgomery would also have a sparkling Royals career ERA of 3.20, which is pretty dang good considering he had one of the most high-pressured positions in any sport. He was never a starter, but he was easily one of the best closers in Kansas City history.

Montgomery recorded a career-high 45 saves in 1993 and had a career-low ERA of 1.37 in 1989. He truly was one of the all-time greats to ever take the mound for the Royals and his 21.0 WAR proves how valuable he was.

Being with a team long-term definitely helps boost their WAR, but Monty was easily one of the best relievers ever and definitely up there on the list of best pitchers all-time for the Kansas City Royals.

Home/Royals All-Time Lists