KC Royals: Eight pitchers to keep an eye on in spring training
By Cody Rickman
Kris Bubic, LHP
Have you heard this before — Bubic has funky mechanics. It will be interesting to watch his command development during spring training. Bubic tends to miss his locations arm-side. His pitches on the left side of the plate are typically outside zone and pitches on the right side of the plate tend to drift over the middle of the plate.
The command of his fastball could be concerning moving forward since he relies on deception and cannot overpower with velocity. His curveball and change-up are each above-average with the change-up being a plus off-speed pitch. The execution of his fastball locations will be paramount to setting up his quality off-speed pitches.
Pitch location is what is important here. Bubic has enough deception in his mechanics and pitch movement to generate high strikeout rates and consistent weak contact. Bubic projects to be a No. 3/4 type starter (3.70 FIP). He is a very intelligent pitcher and mixes his pitches well, he could have a variable 2021 season depending on his command from start to start. Once he becomes more consistent, he will be more likely to reach his peak potential.
Daniel Lynch, LHP
Lynch needs to refine his stretch mechanics. During spring training and preseason workouts in 2020, he looked uncomfortable throwing out of the stretch. Lynch looked like different pitchers out of the wind-up and the stretch. His command was erratic and runners were allowed to distract him. This could amount to problems if runners get on during his starts.
Lynch has lights-out stuff from a tough angle with his long-arms and 6’6 frame. Lynch also sees a bump in his fastball velocity when he pitches in short outings. Combine these two with improved stretch mechanics and there is a possibility Lynch could break camp.
If injuries to the starting staff take place Lynch could be the first pitching prospect to get the call-up. A late-season call-up to be a high leverage reliever is also an exciting option for Lynch in 2021. Lynch projects to be a No. 2/3 type starter (>3.00 FIP). He is another very intelligent pitcher who can mix his pitches well which increases the chances of him reaching his peak potential.