Kansas City Royals: Michael Ynoa signed to MiLB deal

On Tuesday, it was announced that free agent Michael Ynoa was signed to a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals.

Formerly of the Chicago White Sox organization, Michael Ynoa inked a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. In addition, he was invited to Spring Training as a non-roster invite. Ynoa is one of 19 who received an invitation.

The Statistics

The 27 year old from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic was assigned to the Omaha Storm Chasers to begin his time with the Royals organization. He began his time in the MLB with the Oakland Athletics before being traded to the White Sox in 2014. His career so far has been riddled with time spent on the disabled list. Since he began his time in the professional leagues, he had to have Tommy John surgery, just three games in, and he struggled with a hip flexor strain in the 2017 season.

He did not play in the 2018 season at all, but he has participated in the Dominican Winter League. In 2017, when he was healthy, he spent time both in the Majors and in Triple A. With the White Sox, he played in 22 games tallying an ERA of 5.90. Overall, his minor league ERA sits at 4.37 and in the majors, it is at 4.45 through 45 games and a total of 59.0 innings of work out of the bullpen.

What does he bring to the table?

He initially was set to be a starter. Inconsistencies forced the switch to the bullpen, but he has started to find his way as a reliever. He’s young, and if he can stay healthy, he could be really helpful in helping the Kansas City Royals to return to prosperity in the coming years.

His fastball sits at an average of 94 mph, and he also brings a curveball and a changeup.

Where does he fit in?

It’s likely Dayton Moore has confidence that Ynoa will be helpful in strengthening the bullpen. No brainer, right? It is probable he will begin the season as a member of the Omaha Storm Chasers, but he is likely to see time in the majors fairly early in the 2019 season.

This was the Kansas City Royals first addition of the offseason. Hopefully, it works out in their favor.