5 Royals Already on Thin Ice Through 40 Games

Chris Stratton

Stratton has never been an excellent relief option, recording a 3.60 ERA or worse in every season that he’s pitched in 25+ games.

Even still, this season is on track to be one of his worst-ever. He’s currently a -0.3 WAR player with a 5.06 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP as his command has gone off-kilter (12 walks in 16 innings). 

With closer James McArthur also struggling, Stratton’s role is in danger. If the Royals make a move for a late-innings reliever, McArthur could shift back and take Stratton’s role in the bullpen. 

However, his contract does present an issue. Stratton is making $3.5 million this season, which isn’t much, but he has a $4.5 million player option for next season. That alone will afford him some time to get back on track, but he may lose out on some appearances if this keeps up. 

If you’re looking for a reason to be hopeful, Stratton is in the 100th percentile for hard-hit percentage, suggesting that he will be just fine if he can figure out his command issues.

Will Smith

There once was a time when Will Smith was one of the better relievers in baseball and coveted by many teams. 

But those days appear to be firmly in the past.

Smith turns 35 in July and his fastball has lost its juice. He currently ranks in the 10th percentile in and he’s in the 7th percentile in chase rate. 

There’s still time for his 8.49 ERA and 1.71 WHIP to come back to earth, but posting seven strikeouts in 11 ⅔ innings suggests he’ll need to rely on his defense for that to happen. 

He’s making $5 million this year, but it’s just a one-year deal, and it could be worth it for Kansas City to cut bait if he can’t turn things around. 

More Kansas City Royals News: