Royals acquire Nick Anderson


Kansas City this offseason made it a priority to add pitching to both the starting rotation and the bullpen. The boys in blue struck pretty quickly to find their first addition by acquiring right-hander Nick Anderson from Atlanta. Atlanta and Kansas City have had a great trade history over the years with Rangers President of Baseball Operations Dayton Moore being the Braves and Royals general manager in the past. The trade for the veteran reliever doesn't seem to look like a big splash in terms of improving the bullpen; but don't be fooled, trading cash for someone doesn't always mean a team is acquiring minor league depth or a player that is destined to be designated for assignment. Nick Anderson in many ways makes sense for the Royals. The Royals have a history of acquiring bounce back candidates such as Aroldis Chapman and Franmil Reyes. Anderson's inability to stay healthy for a long period of time is a red flag and a big reason the Braves decided to part ways with the 33-year old. The right-hander owns a career ERA of 2.93 in 128 games played. Although 128 games is a small sample size for an arm that has been in the big leagues for about four years, teams such as the Rays and Braves trusted him enough to use him out of the bullpen. Again, the veteran's career has been crippled by injuries. In my opinion, Kansas City can't lose by acquiring Anderson. Let’s see what he has left in the tank with that career ERA below 2.00. Anderson uses a three pitch mix when coming out of the bullpen. His pitches include a four-seam fastball, curveball, and a sinker, but the right-hander primarily relies on his fastball and curveball. The 33-year old's stuff isn't overpowering. On average, his heater touches 90mph.
Royals fans like myself might be scratching our heads why the team would acquire an injury prone pitcher? Before going down with a right shoulder strain last season, Anderson owned an ERA of 3.06. I certainly don't expect Anderson to be part of the team's consideration as a closer, but he might be a good setup man in games next season. The closer role for the Royals next season is likely to be by committee. Financially, the 33-year old makes sense for the team. Anderson is projected to earn $1.6 million in 2024. The Braves signed the veteran reliever to a one year non-guaranteed contract last season. Anderson has two remaining years of arbitration remaining for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The Royals are hoping by taking a flier on Anderson that will give them a boost to the bullpen. And with other additions to the bullpen this offseason, the team hopes to improve on a franchise worst record of 56-106. 

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