Royals Rumblings - News for December 19, 2024
There are pitchers to sign.
Anne Rogers looks at some arms the Royals could target in free agency:
It wouldn’t be surprising to see a reunion with Lorenzen and the Royals, who acquired the 32-year-old righty at the Trade Deadline from the Rangers for reliever Walter Pennington. Lorenzen only made six starts for the Royals because of a left hamstring injury suffered in late August, but he was pretty good in the seven total games he appeared in, posting a 1.57 ERA across 28 2/3 innings with 22 strikeouts and 12 walks.
Lorenzen really liked where things were going with Kansas City before the injury. Plus, there’s familiarity here with his teammates and coaches, and he’s already shown his willingness to pitch in any role with the Royals. He’s pretty much exactly what they’re looking for when they say they need a swingman, and it seems likely that Lorenzen would command a short, cheap deal again. It’s a matter if both the Royals and Lorenzen see a fit with each other and whether a deal can get done.
Jaylon Thompson at the Star also mentions Lorenzen as a fit:
“I would say just general depth,” Quatraro said at the Winter Meetings. “You never have enough pitching. You need to be able to fortify the plan for injuries or a hiccup here and there.” Lorenzen would represent a significant increase in depth. He would offer veteran savvy with the added bonus of postseason experience. Last season, Lorenzen allowed one run in two postseason games. He owns a 1.17 ERA in 7 ⅔ career playoff innings. The Royals relied on Bubic and Lynch in relief roles in the playoffs. If either earns a starting role, Lorenzen is a pitcher who could slide into their bullpen spot.
Preston Farr at Farm to Fountains thinks Joey Wiemer was an underrated acquisition:
Joey Wiemer’s 114.6 max EV last season would’ve ranked 34th in baseball, just behind Elly De La Cruz and just ahead of Matt Chapman. Only Bobby Witt Jr. (116.9 mph) would’ve ranked higher on the Royals’ roster. That sort of power output is befitting a middle-of-the-order bat. If Kansas City can take that power ceiling and add in more contact, there’s a solid chance that they’ve added not just one valuable hitter in the Brady Singer trade, but two. The defensive value is already clear. Wiemer was worth 7 Defensive Runs Saved and 7 Outs Above Average in 2023 for the Brewers.
Our very own Max Rieper wrote for the mothership, wondering if MLB expansion could help the league’s offensive woes.
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