Kansas City Royals: Five Bargain Free Agent Starter Candidates

Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Lohse

Prior to last season, Kyle Lohse was a solid middle of the rotation starter. His career had been revitalized in St. Louis, and from 2011 through 2014, Lohse posted a 54-30 record with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.143 WHiP. This past season, in what was a lost year for the Brewers, Lohse imploded, posting a 5-13 record with a 5.85 ERA and a 1.464 WHiP, eventually being sent to the bullpen.

Those numbers only tell a portion of the story. Lohse was battered by the opposition all season, as opponents produced a .297/.345/.502 batting line against him. An extreme fly ball pitcher, Lohse allowed 29 home runs in 152.1 innings, while allowing a 31% line drive rate. This was truly a wasted season.

However, all Lohse may need is a change of scenery. Although he is on the back nine of his career at 37 years old, Lohse may still have something left in the tank. As a fly ball pitcher, pitching in a park like Kauffman Stadium could lead to a reversal of his struggles from last year.

Next: Royals Odds of Re-Signing Key Free Agents

While it would be a gamble, Kyle Lohse could slot in at the back of the Kansas City Royals rotation and provide far more than anticipated. Likely to be available on a one year deal at an affordable rate, Lohse could be the type of pitcher that the Royals consider.