Royals Make Trade Following Four-Game Winning Streak
By Joe Summers
The Royals just completed a four-game sweep of the White Sox and now have a well-earned day off, though Kansas City stayed busy by acquiring RHP Colin Selby from the Pirates in exchange for minor league LHP Connor Oliver.
Selby is on the 40-man roster though was assigned to Omaha (AAA) and projects as a potential reliever long-term. LHP Josh Taylor has been moved to the 60-day injured list to make room for Selby, who could join the majors this summer after pitching in 21 games with the Pirates last year.
It's not a major move by any means, but Selby has promise and the Royals have done a fantastic job of finding low-risk, high-upside players in trades over the last calendar year.
Royals News: KC Acquires RHP Colin Selby from Pittsburgh Pirates
We have acquired RHP Colin Selby from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor league LHP Connor Oliver. Selby, a 40-man roster player, has been assigned to Omaha (AAA).
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) April 7, 2024
In a corresponding move, LHP Josh Taylor has been transferred to the 60-day Injured List.
Selby throws four pitches and can touch 97 MPH with his four-seam fastball, ranking in the 87th percentile in fastball velocity in 2023. His slider was his most effective pitch last year, as he allowed just a .192 batting average with it.
He's got a sinker and curveball as well, though struggled to prevent hard contact in his lone season in the majors. Selby ended the year with a 9.00 ERA but struck out 30 batters in 21 innings, showcasing some of the potential that could make him a valuable reliever.
I don't expect Selby to make any major impact in 2024, though I like the move to bring in a promising reliever while only surrendering a low-tier prospect.
J.J. Picollo has done a fine job rebuilding this roster into a potential contender and trades like this one are becoming a staple of his regime. We'll see if Selby makes the big league club at any point, though I'm excited to see what he can bring to the bullpen.
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