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Kansas City Royals: Pitchers who could make starting rotation in 2019

By Leigh Oleszczak

Kansas City Royals pitcher Glenn Sparkman walks back to the dugout from the bullpen (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images)
Kansas City Royals pitcher Glenn Sparkman walks back to the dugout from the bullpen (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images) /
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Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brad Keller (56) (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brad Keller (56) (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

STARTING ROTATION CANDIDATES – BRAD KELLER

The star of the pitching staff last year was, without a doubt, rookie Brad Keller. The Rule-5 pick from Arizona is only 23 years old and had himself a heck of a rookie debut.

Keller started off in the bullpen, but worked his way into the rotation not long into the year. He went on to start in 20 games and finished the year throwing in 140.1 innings with an ERA of 3.08.

While some might argue that Keller should be the number one starter heading into this season, he won’t be. There’s another guy who will get that gig, but Keller is easily going to be the number two starter.

A sophomore slump could be in the making for Keller, but to be fair, it’ll be hard for him to have a better season than he did in 2018. He’s just 23 years old and is going to be a member of this rotation for a long time, and that’s exciting to think about.

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