Royals part ways with struggling reliever. He’s making $4.5 million this season
The Kansas City Royals designated right-handed veteran Chris Stratton for assignment Sunday.
Stratton, 34, posted a 7.94 ERA in 12 games this season. He last pitched Friday and allowed three earned runs in two innings against the St. Louis Cardinals.
In a corresponding move, the Royals recalled Jonathan Bowlan from Triple-A Omaha.
“Strat was the consummate pro,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He did a lot for us, not only on the field but behind the scenes in stabilizing the bullpen. Last year, we talked a lot about that leadership. But at this point, we felt it was the right thing to get Bowlan up here and get him some exposure.”
Stratton was part of KC’s 2024 offseason roster overhaul. He signed a two-year deal worth $8 million. The deal included a $4.5 million player option (for the second year) that he exercised ahead of the 2025 campaign.
The Royals now have seven days find a trade or place Stratton on outright or unconditional release waivers, per MLB rules.
“(The conversation was) exceptionally professional,” Quatraro said of Stratton. “He was very disappointed but understanding of the decision.”
Stratton is removed from the Royals’ 40-man roster with the transaction. If he is claimed by another team on waivers, he will join their organization.
If Stratton is placed on waivers and clears, he has the option to reject an assignment to the minor leagues due to having more than five years of MLB service time.
In that case, Stratton can elect for free agency.
Bowlan, meanwhile, gets a chance to be part of the Royals bullpen. He is operating as a reliever this season but has starter experience, too. The Royals don’t expect to stretch him out despite two injuries in the starting rotation.
“I started all through pro ball,” Bowlan said. “If I need to go more than an inning or two, then so be it. I’ll be more than ready. I’m here to do whatever they need me to do to help this team.”
This story was originally published May 18, 2025 at 10:48 AM.
