On the Royals’ 5th-starter search, Carlos Estévez & Spring Breakout | KC Royals Q&A
The Kansas City Royals are making final adjustments to their roster ahead of the 2025 season.
Less two weeks from now, it will be opening day at Kauffman Stadium. On March 27, the Royals will play host to the Cleveland Guardians in the first of numerous games between the American League Central rivals.
In the meantime, the Royals have some decisions to make. We’ll look to answer some of your most pressing questions each week in this reader Q&A.
Here’s our latest installment as spring training continues in Surprise, Arizona:
Who is the fifth starter pitcher? — Mark K.
It’s no secret that the Royals have an open spot in their starting rotation. This offseason, it appeared as if left-hander Kris Bubic was a frontrunner for the role.
After all, the Royals announced he would revert to being a starter again.
Bubic has done everything possible to win the job. He pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday. He allowed three hits and one walk and struck out five.
The Royals view the competition as coming down to Bubic and Daniel Lynch IV. Both left-handers have bullpen experience, while Lynch has produced a 3.21 ERA in five spring appearances.
“I think from the sharpness and being crisp standpoint, that was a little bit better than the previous two outings I’ve had down here,” Bubic told reporters in Surprise, Arizona.
The Royals could have the fifth-starter spot fluctuate this season. Alec Marsh and Kyle Wright were delayed this spring and could be sidelined for opening day. However, they will both be in the mix in 2025.
At the moment, I would say Bubic has the best chance to be the fifth starter.
What were your impressions of Carlos Estévez first spring outing? — Patrick W.
The Royals were excited to get Carlos Estévez back on the mound. This spring, he was slowed by some mild back tightness that delayed him from facing live hitters.
On Friday, Estévez got into some Cactus League action. He threw 19 pitches and allowed an unearned run. The Royals are expected to give Estévez a fair amount of save opportunities alongside Lucas Erceg.
Erecg will likely operate in a fireman role. This allows him to face the opponent’s best hitters late, regardless of the inning.
I think Estévez will regain his high velocity as he gets more appearances. For a first outing, he looked good and will be a solid contributor this season.
Will the Royals retain Nelson Velázquez or Nick Pratto? — Tim R.
This is another decision the Royals have to make. Both players are out of minor-league options and are in contention for a bench role.
Pratto is a homegrown talent that made the transition to the outfield this spring. Meanwhile, Velázquez has raw power that could maximize the Royals lineup.
However, both players have lingering offensive issues. Pratto struggles with plate discipline and it leads to a swing-and-miss approach. Last season, he registered a 30.4% strikeout rate in Triple-A.
Velázquez burst onto the scene with 14 home runs in 40 games in 2023. He fell into a cold spell last season and lost his swing at the plate. There are also concerns about his defensive versatility.
How the Royals configure their bench will directly impact both players. There are likely two bench spots up for grabs. It’s a chance the Royals opt for speed and defense or power from their bench.
This is a battle to watch. If either one fails to make the opening day roster, they must be designated for assignment and be placed on outright waivers.
Do you think Daniel Lynch IV has earned a spot in the bullpen? — Warren G.
I think Lynch has made a strong case to make the opening day roster. And, he proved he could pitch out of the bullpen last season.
The Royals are pretty much set in the bullpen. There could be a few spots available, but Lynch is certainly in a good spot. KC must decide whether it’s better to have Lynch be available as a long relief option or keep him stretched out in the minor leagues.
If it’s the latter, the Royals can allow Lynch to make consistent starts in Triple-A Omaha and be available if an injury occurs early in the season.
Lynch has minor-league options remaining. That could also be a factor in deciding where he begins in 2025. But, the Royals are confident in his ability to be used as a starter or in the bullpen.
Were there any underrated prospects that stood out in the Royals spring breakout game? -- Diane B.
The Royals participated in their second annual MLB Spring Breakout Game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. It was a chance for the club’s top prospects to perform on a grand stage.
Most fans are familiar with Jac Caglianone, Carter Jensen and Blake Mitchell — the top prospects in the KC farm system. The spring exhibition introduced a few more prospects to the national audience.
One who stood out is Daniel Vazquez. He added two hits in Friday’s game. He showcased his speed with a triple down the right-field line in the sixth inning. Defensively, Vazquez also played both second and short.
I also was intrigued by a pair of international free agents. I think Royals shortstop Yandel Ricardo has a chance to be elite. He made a nice defensive stop to begin a double play.
Ricardo was the Royals’ top international signing in 2024. He is just 18 and has a lot of room to develop.
I was also impressed by Royals infield prospect Jhonayker Ugarte. He was also a part of the club’s 2024 international signing class. Ugarte just turned 18 and has impressive metrics.
He has a strong arm and good plate discipline at a young age. The Royals will continue to develop him as he gets into the professional game.
Ugarte hit .299 with 44 hits, 20 RBIs and 11 steals in the Dominican Summer League (DSL). He also produced more walks (36) than strikeouts (30) last season.
If Vinnie (Pasquantino) has a good season could we flip him in the offseason for pitching with Jac (Caglianone) at first? — Bob A.
Hi Bob! Thank you so much for the question.
The Royals are very comfortable with Vinnie Pasquantino at first base. In fact, he is a part of the club’s young core for the foreseeable future.
It’s hard to replace a 27-year-old star in his prime that just produced 19 home runs and 97 RBIs in 131 games.
However, I will level with you. There was a rumor the Royals considered trading Pasquantino for starting pitching in 2023. Obviously, a trade never materialized and it likely won’t happen with the arrival of Caglianone.
The Royals don’t have a pressing need for starting pitching. The club has a solid rotation that consists of 2024 American League Cy Young finalists Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo. Also, the team just re-signed Michael Wacha to a three-year deal.
KC has more than enough pitching depth when you add in Michael Lorenzen, Kris Bubic, Daniel Lynch IV, Alec Marsh and Kyle Wright.
But we should pump the brakes on Caglianone. He hasn’t played a full pro season and will undoubtedly face challenges ahead. The Royals will not rush Caglianone; when he is ready, they will find a place for him. It could be in the outfield.
Ask any manager, and they’ll tell you they find ways to get their best nine players on the field.
For now, Caglianone will be played in addition to Pasquantino. Alongside Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez (and others), they both factor into the club’s future plans.
