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Kansas City Royals: Could-Be Dangerous Starting Rotation

By Dylan Miles

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Sep 27, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Ian Kennedy (31) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Ian Kennedy (31) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

The Kansas City Royals head into the 2017 season hoping they have upgraded the weak rotation that hurt them in 2016. Many things will have to go right for their rotation to fulfill their hopes.

The Kansas City Royals just announced on Wednesday that their deal with former Cubs starter Jason Hammel had been made official. The former North-sider finished 2016 with a 3.83 ERA in 166.2 IP, a 15-10 record, 53 walks (eek), 144 strikeouts and a World Series Championship ring. With the passing of KC Royals “Ace” Yordano Ventura, the club and its fans were left to wonder what would come of the 2017 starting rotation.

While according to PECOTA, the Royals are projected to have a pretty garbage season, I believe that the 2017 rotation could give that of 2014 a run for its money for the best in recent Royals history. Let’s take a look at the probable rotation…

Danny Duffy

The obvious ace of the staff would have to be lefty bear-suit enthusiast Danny Duffy, who finished 2016 strong and is coming off of a solid contract extension during this offseason. I expect to see good things from Duffy during the 2017 season.

2016 stats: 12-3, 3.51 ERA, 42 BB, 188 SO.

My 2017 projection: 16-9, 2.87 ERA, 40 BB, 180 SO

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Ian Kennedy

As it turns out, Ian Kennedy was quite the addition to the Kansas City Royals rotation last season and will fit nicely into the #2 spot in this year’s rotation. I expect big things from Ian as he showed his proficiency last season for pitching in Kauffman Stadium, a ballpark that favors those like Kennedy that tend to give up a few dongers over the course of a season.

2016 stats: 11-11, 3.68 ERA, 66 BB, 184 SO

My 2017 projection: 11-12, 3.22 ERA, 75 BB, 180 SO

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