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8 Royals Who Won't Return in 2025 Season

By Joe Summers

Aug 20, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (33) comes to the mound for a pitcher change against the Los Angeles Angels in the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Aug 20, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (33) comes to the mound for a pitcher change against the Los Angeles Angels in the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images / Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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6. James McArthur - RP

Once Will Smith lost his job as the closer, James McArthur became a fan-favorite with a dominant start. Things unraveled over the course of the season, and McArthur finished with a 4.92 ERA in 56.2 innings before being shut down.

He still has plenty of potential and could be developed, though it appears unlikely he begins the 2025 season on the 25-man roster. When things went bad for McArthur, they went really bad, evidenced by his 15.43 September ERA.

If he can find consistency, McArthur could carve out a role in the bullpen. However, he has to find ways to avoid disaster innings. Essentially, he needs to not let a one-run problem become a four-run mess.

He led the team with 18 saves (23rd in MLB) but had seven blown ones, earning the ire of fans after starting with significant promise.

The bullpen became a weapon once Quatraro tightened his leash on guys. McArthur still has a chance in the offseason and spring to earn his spot but as of right now, you can expect him to be off the team in 2025.

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