Kansas City Royals Make Key Outfield Additions in Playoff Push

The Kansas City Royals have bolstered their outfield depth by adding Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman, both of whom bring valuable experience as the team eyes a return to the playoffs. Pham was claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals, while Grossman, a switch-hitting outfielder, was acquired from the Texas Rangers. Notably, both players began the season with the Chicago White Sox before being moved.
Grossman, unlike Pham, has the added benefit of World Series experience, having been a part of the Rangers' recent championship team. While neither Pham nor Grossman is expected to be an everyday player, they each offer unique strengths. The 34-year-old Grossman, for example, has posted a respectable .227 batting average in 70 games this season and can contribute from both sides of the plate, potentially earning him more playing time than Pham.
Manager Matt Quatraro may decide to rotate Pham and Grossman based on the opposing pitcher, especially since Kansas City has struggled to find a consistent leadoff hitter this season. Players like Maikel Garcia, Garrett Hampson, and Adam Frazier have all been tried in the leadoff spot without much success.
The Royals are fortunate to have a roster filled with players who boast postseason experience, including Salvador Perez, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Will Smith, Michael Lorenzen, Garrett Hampson, Paul DeJong, Hunter Renfroe, and Chris Stratton. This could prove invaluable as the team makes a late push for the playoffs.
Both Pham and Grossman are well-acquainted with the American League Central, having played for multiple teams within the division. While Pham is older at 36, he still brings significant offensive potential and defensive skills to the table. His arm strength, rated at 70 by Baseball Savant, could be a crucial asset in the outfield.
Despite Grossman not being the most obvious target after the Royals acquired Pham, he could play an important role, especially in October. If the team faces left-handed pitching, Grossman’s .279 batting average against lefties makes him a solid option. Additionally, Quatraro has hinted at the possibility of Hunter Renfroe playing some first base, particularly when Salvador Perez is catching or serving as the designated hitter. 
The injury to Vinnie Pasquantino has come at an unfortunate time for the Royals, who are determined to make their first playoff appearance since 2015. Given their recent moves, it seems likely the Royals aren’t done adding pieces as they strive to remain in the American League wild card race.








Popular posts from this blog

Flashback Royals: Remembering a Murder Victim

Image
The Royals over the years have worn patches on their uniforms to remember tragic periods in American history including 9/11 and more. Kansas City in 2007 was stunned after learning that local teenager Kelsey Smith was abducted and murdered. The Royals wore light blue ribbons on their wrists in remembrance of the 18-year old after former manager Buddy Bell spoke to the Smith family.  Many Kansas Cityians remember the Kelsey Smith case well after the story of her abduction hit the local media and national media. On June 2, Smith was shopping at her local Target in Overland Park, KS looking for a picture frame for her boyfriend John Biersmith. While at Target, Smith's killer followed her throughout the store after noticing her at the jewelry counter. While Smith was in the checkout line, her abductor ran to his vehicle to grab his gun and waited for her to leave the store to grab her. The 18-year old was unable to fight off the kidnapper and was forced into her vehicle and
Read more

Tyler Duffey hit or miss signing for Royals

Image
The boys in blue are looking to boost the bullpen through the minor league free agent market, and Kansas City signed a familiar arm, Tyler Duffey, to a minor league pact. Duffey spent time in the Cubs’ organization last season; however, his last big league stint was with the Twins. The 32-year old was a member of the Twins pitching staff for seven seasons before signing with the Cubs last season. Duffey was designated for assignment by Minnesota on August 5 and released just two days later. The righthander, in my opinion, is a type of pitcher that could boost the pen next season. Last season, Duffey spent most of the season in Triple-A. While in Iowa, Duffey appeared in 36 games and threw a total of 45.1 innings. Duffey started two games for Iowa last season. The decision for the Twins to move on from Duffey was difficult for the organization and rightfully so. The organization had plenty to say about Duffey following his departure from the team. Twins manager Rocco Baldell
Read more

A well traveled arm could boost the Royals’ pen

Image
Kansas City will likely be signing many pitchers to minor league deals this offseason. Spring Training this season will be fun to watch as many arms will be competing for a spot in a wide open bullpen. Matt Wisler in my opinion would fit the Royals’ bullpen perfectly, and he would be cheap. Wisler and the Kansas City coaching staff are familiar with each other. The veteran righthander was a member of the Rays’ bullpen in 2021 along with 2022, and he had good numbers. Wisler's time with Tampa Bay came to a surprising end after being designated for assignment in September of 2022. The 31-year old had good numbers while a member of the Rays bullpen staff. He posted an ERA of 2.25 with 35 punchouts in 44 innings pitched. Following the end of Wisler's tenure with the Ray, he signed minor league deals with the Tigers and the Blue Jays. Last season Wisler didn't see time in the big leagues while as a member of the Detroit and Toronto Triple-A affiliates. Wisler's t
Read more