Kansas City Royals Bullpen Battle: Spring Training Week 1

On the Bubble

–Kevin McCarthy

Although it went largely unnoticed, Kevin McCarthy had a very solid season for the Kansas City Royals in 2017. The second-year reliever gave up just 16 earned runs in 45 innings with the team. It’s actually a positive that McCarthy went under-the-radar last season. Middle relievers are there to quietly soak up innings, and that’s exactly what he did. He deserves a spot in the bullpen to start off the year. McCarthy still has options and with such stiff competition there is a chance he begins 2018 at AAA, but this is where he belongs.

–Brian Flynn

After being acquired by the Royals for Aaron Crow in 2014, Flynn carved out a nice role for himself in the bullpen during the 2016 season. He appeared to be a lock to make the team again in 2017 until he fell through his barn roof before Spring Training. Flynn appeared in just one game last season and isn’t fully guaranteed to make the roster because of it. Still, he’s the most experienced lefty the Royals have and that gives him an edge over some of his competition.