The Kansas City Royals Roster if the Season Started Today?
By Lucas Murphy
Starting Pitching
- Brady Singer
- Kris Bubic
- Daniel Lynch
- Jackson Kowar
- Mike Minor
- Carlos Hernandez
- Jon Heasley
- Brad Keller
The Kansas City Royals are overflowing with starting pitchers and have already begun sprinkling in their young talent. We have seen Brady Singer, Kris Bubic, Daniel Lynch, and Jackson Kowar work their way into the rotation. We even saw Jon Heasley pitch towards the end of the season. This core group is learning how to pitch at the major league level and has the potential to be very good.
A name that needs to be mentioned is Carlos Hernandez. Hernandez burst onto the scene last year and showed the organization plus the fans his ability to throw hard and pitch well. Kansas City also has some veterans such as lefty Mike Minor. Minor could be dealt before the season, but as of right now he is on the roster and eats innings for the team. Another veteran is Brad Keller. Keller at one point was named the ace of the staff and has tendencies to display that.
The Royals are bubbling over with starting pitching talent and could have a rise in one of their younger starters. Alec Marsh, Austin Cox, Asa Lacy, Noah Murdock, and many others could impress and find their way to the majors, although the options listed above are the main candidates for the starting rotation. The coaching staff will also have to decide if they want a four-man rotation or a five-man rotation.
Relief Pitching
- Josh Staumont
- Scott Barlow
- Jake Brentz
- Dylan Coleman
- Domingo Tapia
Heading into 2022 I am most excited for the potential of the Royals’ bullpen. Kansas City could go a lot of different ways but just know these men throw heavy fastballs. Josh Staumont, Scott Barlow, and Jake Brentz can be considered locks in the bullpen. KC could go a lot of different ways after those three. One of the bullpen arms that was added late last year, Dylan Coleman has me excited. Coleman hits triple digits and is considered a local talent playing his collegiate baseball at Missouri State University.
The coaching staff will have to decide who they deem fit for the bullpen. Domingo Tapia did well for the Royals in 2021 logging 31.2 innings and posting a 2.84 ERA. There is a lot of young arms in the minors that could also make an impact in spring training. Lefty Angel Zerpa made a start for the Royals late in the 2021 season but could be a viable option coming out of the pen in a long-relief role or just a situational role.