Kansas City Royals Jeremy Guthrie Bids City Goodbye

Jeremy Guthrie went from a relatively non-descript pitcher to a solid member of the Kansas City Royals starting rotation. Now, he appears to be saying his farewell to the city and the fans.

When the Kansas City Royals managed to trade Jonathan Sanchez for Jeremy Guthrie, it was automatically a positive move. Even if Guthrie was nothing more than a batting practice pitcher, he could not be much worse than Sanchez was during his tenure with the Royals. Anything he provided to the Royals success would be a bonus.

As it turned out, Kansas City and Guthrie were a perfect match. While Guthrie did not suddenly transform into a star for the Royals, he became a dependable back of the rotation starter, eating innings and taking the ball every fifth day. Guthrie became a trusted member of the Royals, to the point where Ned Yost sent him out for Game Seven of the 2014 World Series.

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Now, it seems as though Jeremy Guthrie is leaving the Kansas City Royals. Earlier today, Guthrie posted a photograph on Instragram, showing him facing an American flag at half mast, his jersey in one hand and his cap in the other. There, he thanked the people of Kansas City, stating that he and his family will always consider the city to be home.

If this is the end for Guthrie, it was certainly not how he would have wanted to depart. Yes, the Royals won a World Series last year, but he was not on the postseason roster, relegated to a cheerleading role. the 2015 season was a struggle overall, where his 8-8 record belied a 5.95 ERA and a 1.551 WHiP. Yet, even on those days where Guthrie did not have anything on the mound, he battled, pitching to contact and using his wits to keep the opposition as off balance as possible.

Hopefully, this will not necessarily mark the end of Guthrie’s time with the Royals. As a player who got the most he could out of his stuff and managed to carve out a twelve year major league career, Guthrie could be a solid minor league coach, helping to develop the new generation of young arms when his playing career ends.

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Jeremy Guthrie was a model teammate and person. Hopefully, he can remain with the Kansas City Royals in some capacity, but if this is truly the end of his time with the team, he will be greatly missed.

*Update – Guthrie has signed with the Texas Rangers on a minor league deal pending a physical*