KC Royals: Eight pitchers to keep an eye on in spring training
By Cody Rickman
The KC Royals are flooded with pitching talent. Here is what you should watch for and get excited about when you sit back and watch spring training games this year.
The Kansas City Royals are for the most part set with their starting pitching rotation and bullpen. The final couple of spots in the bullpen are up for grabs as non-invitees Wade Davis, Brad Brach, and Ervin Santana compete for those last couple of spots on the roster.
The projected 2021 starting rotation should be solid with Brad Keller headlining with the development of a change-up to add to his already hit stifling arsenal. Danny Duffy is in his free-agent year and looking to finish his final contract year strong.
Mike Minor returns to the Royals after signing a two-year/$17M (third-year option for $13M) this offseason. If Minor is able to recapture his 2019 form (208.1 innings, 3.59 ERA, 200 Ks, 4.1 WAR), the Royals will have the best bargain signing of the free-agency period.
Brady Singer and Kris Bubic round out the starting rotation. Singer and Bubic both showed progression and promise in their starts during 2020.
Projected 2021 Starting Rotation (ZiPS projections on fangraphs):
- Brad Keller, RHP (165.2 innings, 4.45 ERA (4.61 FIP), 1.35 WHIP, 1.7 WAR)
- Danny Duffy, LHP (127.0 innings, 4.89 ERA (4.72 FIP), 1.37 WHIP, 1.4 WAR)
- Mike Minor, LHP (161.1 innings, 4.24 ERA (4.29 FIP), 1.22 WHIP, 2.6 WAR)
- Brady Singer, RHP (152.0 innings, 4.68 ERA (4.64 FIP), 1.36 WHIP, 1.6 WAR)
- Kris Bubic, LHP (97.2 innings, 4.52 ERA (4.47 FIP), 1.39 WHIP, 1.4 WAR)
I expect the majority of the starting staff to out-perform their projections. Player profiles can be seen at baseball-reference.com.
Likely 2021 Bullpen
- Greg Holland, RHP (Closer)
- Scott Barlow, RHP (High Leverage)
- Jakob Junis, RHP (High Leverage/Opener/Spot Starter/Follower)
- Jesse Hahn, RHP (7th or 8th inning)
- Josh Staumont, RHP (6th or 7th inning)
- Kyle Zimmer, RHP (Middle Reliever/Opener)
The last two or three spots in the bullpen are up for grabs with Wade Davis (RHP), Ervin Santana (RHP), and Brad Brach (RHP) in contention to get added to the 40-man roster. Tyler Zuber (RHP), Richard Lovelady (LHP), and Jake Newberry (RHP) are already on the 40-man roster with minor league options remaining.