KC Royals: Four players who have most to gain in 2020 spring training

Brady Singer – RHP Starting Pitcher

Brady Singer is very close to making his MLB debut after putting together an excellent 2019 season, pitching 148.1 innings of 2.85 ERA, 1.187 WHIP, and 138 Ks between AA and A+ ball.

Singer relies on commanding his plus fastball (features riding movement), changing the depth, and speed of his plus slider to generate weak contact. He’s been effective using these two plus pitches in the minors, but needs the development of his change-up to be a reliable MLB starter.

The Royals’ 2018 first round pick began showing more confidence in his change-up after his promotion to AA Northwest Arkansas in 2019. He still throws the change-up with too much velocity (89.0 mph), which isn’t enough of a velocity differential to be effective combined with his low 90s fastball. He does not have the feel or the touch for the pitch quite yet and will need to continue to throw it with confidence until he finds it.

Spring training is the opportunity for Singer to show the Royals front office and coaching staff he has the confidence and ability to mix three effective pitches in any count. With how competitive Singer is, I suspect he will make the Royals Front Office stress about their decision.

As a non-roster invite, Brady Singer isn’t expected to break spring training camp with the big-league club, but if he finds confidence and consistency in his change-up, there’s a possibility he makes his MLB debut early in the 2020 season.