What to do with Hernandez?

Kansas City has many decisions to make with the roster after signing multiple free agents this offseason. The roster must be cut down to 26 before opening day, and one arm has many questions surrounding his future with the team. Carlos Hernandez has pitched in a few different positions for the Royals over the past four seasons. The right-hander has had mixed results in the rotation and the bullpen, but Kansas City seems to still believe in the flame thrower. Hernandez has a lot still to prove despite being in the big leagues for multiple seasons. The 26-year old and the Royals recently agreed to a one-year deal worth $1 million to avoid arbitration. A million dollars won't leave much of a dent in the payroll next season; but with the many additions to the pitching staff this offseason, it raises the question where does Hernandez fit in the team's plans? Last season the Royals gave Hernandez a long look. In the 67 games played, the right-hander posted a 5.27 ERA in 70 innings pitched. Hernandez posted a career high 77 strikeouts. The ERA is a big concern, but it isn't the biggest in my opinion. The 26-year old's biggest red flag was his inability to limit free passes. Hernandez walked a total of 31 batters in 70 innings pitched in 2023. As mentioned earlier, Hernandez and the Royals agreed to an arbitration deal, so the Royals obviously still believe Hernandez could be in the team's plans, or he could be a trade chip. The Royals recently have been rumored to be interested in acquiring a veteran closer. To get a quality closer, the Royals might have to put a good trade package together. Could Hernandez be part of a package for a closer? Hernandez's name has been brought up as a potential trade candidate the past few seasons. Last season, the Royals got some calls from teams that showed interest in the 26-year old. The Royals obviously didn't pull the trigger. Hernandez may very well be part of the Royals pitching staff this upcoming season but in what role is the big question? The starting rotation seems like a very unlikely spot for Hernandez after the additions of Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo this offseason, unless the team has considered having a six man rotation. Kansas City's bullpen is crowded as well after adding Will Smith, Chris Stratton and Nick Anderson and the other arms that are already in the bullpen. Kyle Wright will likely join the pitching staff in 2025 if he can fully recover from shoulder surgery. The bullpen at this point would looks like this other than a closer: 

Will Smith 

Chris Stratton 

Nick Anderson 

Jake Brentz

Matt Sauer

James McArthur 

Josh Taylor 

Hernandez's future looks pretty bleak with the team having multiple arms to choose from in addition to the possibilities of a spring training invitee joining the pen such as Tyler Duffey. The team can no longer send the 26-year old to Triple-A after using his last minor league a few seasons back. The team could always take a risk and outright Hernandez to Omaha and hope no team snatches him; but a pitcher that can throw 100 mph plus is very unlikely to not get picked up by another team. Kansas City could choose to carry eight arms in their bullpen and use Hernandez in a long relief role. 



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