Justin Masterson May Be a Fit for the Royals

Since James Shields rejected his qualifying offer, the Kansas City Royals are expected to look for another starting pitcher. Prior to being signed the other day, A.J. Burnett was listed as a potential fit, as has former Royal Ervin Santana. While neither pitcher is in Shields class, they may be just a step below. Yet, there may be another pitcher who could be of interest to the Royals in Justin Masterson.

In fact, Masterson may be a bit more attractive to the Royals than Santana, as he does not have draft pick compensation attached due to a mid-season trade. Masterson may also be attractive since he could be available at a discounted rate. Last season, Masterson struggled in his time with the Indians and the Cardinals, posting a combined 7-9 record with a 5.88 ERA and a 1.632 WHiP. His walk rate spiked to 4.8 walks per nine innings. Battling through a right knee injury, Masterson just never looked right all season.

Yet, even with those struggles, it may be worth taking a look at Justin Masterson. Finally healthy, Masterson may be able to come closer to replicating his 2013 season, when he produced a 14-10 record with a 3.45 ERA and a 1.202 WHiP. His walk rate was at a more manageable 3.5 walks per nine while striking out 195 batters in 193 innings of work.

The past two years actually continue an interesting trend where Masterson has been good in odd numbered years as a starter while struggling in even number years. Since 2011, Masterson’s ERA has gone from 3.21 to 4.93 to 3.45 to last year’s 5.88. Perhaps, like Bret Saberhagen in the 1980’s, Masterson is just an odd numbered year pitcher.

Likely to receive a one year contract, it may be better for the Royals to bring Justin Masterson in. Should he regain that form of 2013 or 2011, Masterson could truly be a bargain, costing the Royals less than the contract that Santana is expected to receive. Meanwhile, that potential one year contract would allow the Royals to be able to bring in their next crop of starting pitching without blocking the path for someone like Brandon Finnegan or Sean Manaea.

The Royals may look to free agency to bring in another starter this offseason. If so, Justin Masterson could be a solid fit.