‘It’s been my dream’: Matt Sauer ready to contribute on KC Royals’ big-league roster
The Kansas City Royals have several prospects developing in their minor-league system. This year, The Star is highlighting the next crop of talented players.
In a new series, “Before the Crown,” we focus on Royals prospects and their journey toward the big leagues. This week, our final edition before the 2024 MLB season begins, we spotlight Royals prospect Matt Sauer.
‘Did this really just happen?’
The Kansas City Royals saw a lot of potential in Matt Sauer.
Sauer, 25, had all the tools. He offered a plus-fastball and a slider that was quickly emerging as his go-to pitch. At 6-foot-4, Sauer profiled as a future starter. He just happened to be wearing a different uniform.
Last season, Sauer pitched in the New York Yankees organization. He had a 3.41 ERA in 17 games (16 starts) across three minor-league levels. Sauer finished with the Somerset Patriots in the Eastern League.
The Patriots were the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate. Sauer, who was selected in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft, had a short stay in Somerset.
In December, he was on the move once again.
This time, he was headed to Kansas City. The Royals selected Sauer in the 2023 Rule 5 Draft during the Winter Meetings in Nashville.
“At first it was kind of surreal,” Sauer said. “Like, ‘Did this really just happen?’ I get to come down to Arizona for spring (training) now, being from California. It’s pretty awesome. It was kind of crazy that first day with all the phone calls and everything. It was just really exciting for me and my family.”
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Sauer had his opportunity. And, as a Rule 5 Draft pick, he had a clear path to the majors. He must remain on the Royals’ 26-man active roster. Otherwise, he must be offered back to the Yankees for $50,000, per MLB rules.
However, it wasn’t that simple. Sauer needed to prove he could make the team. It required winning a job in spring training.
“It’s just a matter of having the mindset when I’m in there and the confidence that, ‘Hey, you are here for a reason,’” Sauer said. “’Go get the job done.’”
Competition for a roster spot
The Royals looked to revamp their bullpen this offseason.
KC signed veteran relievers Will Smith and Chris Stratton in free agency. They acquired John Schreiber and Nick Anderson in separate trades. James McArthur, Angel Zerpa and Carlos Hernandez were key holdovers.
Sauer faced competition to make the team. Despite being a Rule 5 Draft pick, he needed to earn his roster spot. The Royals planned to use him in the bullpen as he developed. After all, Sauer had never pitched above the Double-A level.
“We’re going Double-A to the big leagues, and that is a big challenge,” Royals pitching coach Brian Sweeney said. “But we are here to support him. We like what we have seen so far.”
Sauer appeared in eight spring training games. He posted a 2.53 ERA in 10 ⅔ innings and generated 13 strikeouts alongside four walks.
Along the way, Sauer grew more comfortable. He shook off his nerves and impressed in every situation. The Royals utilized him to start games, in middle relief and high-leverage scenarios.
“I think I was almost over-amping myself up being too fast at first,” Sauer said. “I was talking to a bunch of guys in the clubhouse. Just the mindsets they have coming out of the bullpen, they have helped me a lot. My last four or five outings, I have felt super comfortable out there.”
Sauer relied on the veterans’ wisdom. He fared well against the Texas Rangers in the Cactus League finale on March 23. He allowed one run against a lineup that included Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia and Josh Jung.
A few days prior, the Royals notified Sauer that he made the 2024 opening-day roster. He earned the final bullpen spot. His role would be to provide multiple innings for the team.
“It means everything,” Sauer said. “It’s everything I have worked for since I was a little kid. It’s been my dream. Baseball is all I’ve ever known. I’ve been working so hard to get here and finally I get the opportunity.”
Opening Day awaits
Sauer will be in the bullpen on opening day. The Royals will play the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Thursday, March 28.
It will be Sauer’s first opening day experience. And one he hopes to showcase as he begins his MLB career.
“I made the roster,” Sauer said. “(Now), go out there and prove to them they made the right decision.”
First pitch at The K is slated for 3:10 p.m. Central.
