Kansas City Royals: Odds of Re-signing Key Free Agents

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Chris Young

When Chris Young was signed by the Kansas City Royals in the beginning of March, it was an interesting move. Even though Young had a solid 2014 season, going 12-9 with a 3.65 ERA and a 1.230 WHiP, the Royals rotation was set. However, for an incentive laden contract with a base salary of $675,000, Young was the type of depth that the Royals could afford.

As it turned out, they needed Young more than they could have imagined. After Jeremy Guthrie proved ineffective all season, and with a myriad of injuries in the rotation, Young stepped in and helped save the Royals season. In his 34 regular season appearances, including 18 starts, Young posted a 3.06 ERA and a 1.086 WHiP.

A somewhat surprising addition to the postseason rotation, Young shined for the Royals. In his 15.2 innings, Young allowed only five runs on eight hits and six walks, striking out 18. His Game Four performance in the World Series, when he held the Mets to two runs over seven innings, essentially put an end to any hopes New York had of getting back in the series.

Surprisingly undervalued after his excellent 2014 campaign, the same will not likely occur again this year. At age 36, Young may not be in line for a truly pricey contract, and, according to Jon Heyman, the Royals have interest in bringing him back. However, the chances of that happening likely depend on whether or not another team is willing to give Young far more than the Royals may be willing to pay. With two solid seasons under his belt, the veteran righty may be a fairly interesting commodity for a team looking to fill out the back of the bullpen.

Odds on the Kansas City Royals signing Chris Young: 25%

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